Development of paving slab product manufactured from thermoplastic elastomer composites reinforced with crab shell particles for out-door application

The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance construction materials has driven the exploration of bio-based reinforcements in polymer composites. This study investigates the development of paving slab products using thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites reinforced with crab shell (CS) particles, aiming to enhance mechanical, thermal, and durability properties for outdoor applications. The research addresses the need for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional fillers by leveraging CS as a reinforcing agent in recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and natural rubber (NR) matrices. The TPE composites were fabricated using a twin-screw extruder and compression molding techniques, with varying NR and CS contents to optimize performance. Mechanical properties, including flexural strength, compressive modulus, and hardness, were evaluated alongside water absorption (WA), density, and thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results revealed that increasing CS content improved flexural strength and thermal resistance, while a slight reduction in melting temperature was observed due to increased heterogeneity and polymer network disruption. The highest compressive performance was achieved with 20 wt% CS content, whereas further increases led to particle agglomeration, negatively impacting mechanical integrity. Furthermore, CS fillers enhanced thermal stability by forming a heat-resistant barrier, delaying decomposition onset. WA increased with CS content due to its bio-organic nature, necessitating further optimization for outdoor applications. This study demonstrates the potential of CS-reinforced TPE composites as a sustainable alternative for paving slab production. Future research should focus on optimizing filler dispersion and long-term environmental performance to enhance durability in real-world conditions.