TITLE:
Utilization of Eggshells Waste as an Additive to Improve the Mechanical Properties of Clays
AUTHORS:
Déthié Thiaw, Abdou Ciss Wade, Mamoudou Sall, Saliou Diouf, Gora Dieye
KEYWORDS:
Clays, Eggshells, Physicochemical Properties
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.14 No.2,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: In this study, we investigated the reuse of eggshell powder waste to improve the mechanical properties of clay bricks as a cement replacement material. The eggshell powder was used as a potential and environmentally friendly and economical solution for strengthening clay structures. Specimens were prepared with eggshell powder content varying from 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by dry weight in order to determine the optimal percentage and observe the strength of the bricks to produce a good cementing material using eggshell powder. Chemical and mineralogical characterization by XRF, FTIR, SEM/EDS and Atterberg limits, respectively, was carried out to assess the physicochemical properties of the raw materials and the final product, while compression and flexural tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties. The results showed that adding 10% by weight of ESP resulted in a flexural strength of 1.062 MPa for Tchicky clay. Adding 15% by weight of ESP resulted in a compressive strength of 4.212 MPa for clay 1 (Tchicky).