Eggshell-Derived Powder as Reinforcement for Structures Manufactured by Digital Light Processing

Abstract The global warming is a current challenge that demands innovative solutions in waste management. Eggshells, a common waste product, present an opportunity within the circular economy. This material, when combined with resins, can be transformed into a valuable resource as a reinforcement. In this study, eggshells-derived calcium acetate was combined with a resin and used to create a viscous printable material, allowing for the manufacture of samples with small pores and enhancing structural integrity. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the successful integration and uniform distribution of calcium acetate. Furthermore, increasing relative density from 50 to 75% led to an increase of hardness from 2.33 to 8.58 N, highlighting the relevance of the structure design to tailor the mechanical performance of the resulting structure, with cohesiveness values of 1, indicating total shape recovery after deformation. This approach not only demonstrates the versatility of eggshells but also highlights the effectiveness of DLP technology to produce structures with complex geometries. This research opens new avenues for reusing discarded materials, promoting sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of our consumption habits.