Utilizing Wastepaper and Eggshells as an Alternative Concrete-Filler

Abstract: In today’s era of increasing standard of living and rapid expansion in construction,
environmental concerns such as natural resources depletion, global warming, energy crisis, waste
pollution, and greenhouse gas emission have become paramount. This study seeks to explore the
feasibility of utilizing recycled wastepaper and eggshells as building materials, aiming to contribute
to the overall sustainability of the built environment. The primary objective is to develop an eco-
friendly non-loadbearing block from recycled wastepaper and eggshells without the use of cement
as a binder. This research specifically addresses the challenge of low strength typically associated
with increased wastepaper content in conventional cement-based wastepaper blocks. To achieve this
aim, laboratory experimentation was conducted, resulting in the production of an eco-friendly block
unit labeled as Wastepaper-Eggshells (WPE), consisting of 50% waste content (paper and
eggshells). Testing conducted by Crown Cris Industrial Sales demonstrated that the WPE blocks
possess properties that meet the requirements for application as lightweight, non-loadbearing blocks
in building construction. In conclusion, comparing the average values of WPE with the reference
standard, WPE exceeds the reference standard. Additionally, with a compressive strength P-value
of 0.04749095 falling below the conventional threshold of 0.05, signifying a significant difference,
and a water absorption P-value of 0.33530 exceeding the conventional threshold, indicating no
significant difference, the WPE mixture proves to be a viable alternative concrete filler,
demonstrating its effectiveness in sustainable construction practices.

Keywords: wastepaper; eggshells; compressive strength; water absorption; reference standard;

concrete-filler

1. INTRODUCTION The cement industry's CO2 emissions are a pressing

concern, given that concrete production is heavily reliant on
1.1. Background of the Study cement. This underscores the urgent need to address
emissions, as emphasized by (Shen et al., 2014). The
For the main text (contents) and references, two- construction sector's dependence on concrete, a fundamental
column formatting is required. In general, papers will have building material, underscores the importance of exploring
sections for the introduction, methodology, results and alternatives to traditional cement-aggregate compositions.
discussions, conclusions, and acknowledgments. However, Research indicates that wastepaper-based building materials
authors may exercise some flexibility in organizing the content often exhibit undesirable properties, such as high-water
of their papers. The whole paper should be single-spaced and absorption and low strength. Attempts to remedy these
justified. Indent paragraphs by 0.5-inch. (9 pt. Times New shortcomings by increasing cement content have been made
Roman) but with limited success.

The escalating demand for concrete has led to a surge Additionally, (Duncan Cree et al., 2015). Waste
in greenhouse gas emissions (Althoey et al., 2023 and Bikila eggshells generated by processing industries have the potential
et al., 2023). This surge is primarily attributable to the to be used as limestone or lime in a variety of applications.
extraction of raw materials required for cement production, This study signified eggshells can be used as a total or partial
which not only poses environmental challenges but also alternative replacement to mined limestone. The specific use
depletes natural resources. Widespread disposal exacerbates of eggshells in the research demonstrates enhanced hardened
these issues, causing such effects on ecosystems. Utilizing properties, and drawbacks of elevated resistance to water
waste materials, such as wastepaper and eggshells, presents a penetration and carbonation, since (Razali, N. et al., 2020).
promising avenue for sustainable development. As (Damineli Eggshells contain mostly calcite with small amounts of
B et al., 2010) and (De Queroiz Lamas et al., 2013) suggest, organic membrane and matrix. The powdered eggshell
integrating waste materials into the cement industry can particles appeared to have irregular characteristics due to the
bolster ecological efficiency and mitigate pollution indicators. grinding process utilized. Considering these considerations,
this study aims to determine utilizing Wastepaper and
Eggshells as an Alternative Concrete-Filler. Through applications in construction projects. The compressive
standardized mix proportioning and comprehensive testing strength test aimed to meet standards for load-bearing and non-
procedures, this research seeks to measure key factors such as load-bearing applications. Water absorption rate was assessed
compressive strength, water resistance, and long-term using capillary rise action.
durability. Therefore, there must be no significant difference
in the compressive strength and water absorption rate between Comparison with existing standards and statistical
the WPE mixture and the reference standard. analysis through ANOVA and Tukey's test provided insights
into material performance and optimization. Overall, the study
This study aims to determine Utilizing Wastepaper demonstrated a process for producing environmentally
and Eggshells as an Alternative Concrete-Filler. Specifically, friendly building blocks with potential applications in
this study aims to determine the compressive strength & water construction.
absorption rate of the WPE mixture and determine the
significant difference of the compressive strength and water 1.0 Materials
absorption rate between the WPE mixture and the reference
standard. The materials used were wastepaper and eggshell
aggregate, water, and customized plastic containers measuring
The use of wastepaper- eggshell based products as a 50mm x 50mm x 50mm cube. These materials were selected
ceramic substitute could greatly play a part in less paper waste, for the development of the wastepaper-eggshell product with a
which could lead to a better ecosystem. Papers from schools, focus on environmental sustainability.
offices, households, or any location that has unimportant used-
up paper can be used for making paper-based products and 2.0 Process of Wastepaper Powder
utilizing eggshells, thus, freeing up more space for more
productive work. This Research could also greatly aid our 2.1 Shredding
Economic and Ecological systems in our country, which can
lead our fellow people to financial freedom and enable our The process of shredding began with a thorough
people to live in a cleaner environment. Lastly, the week-long collection of various paper types from around the
Researchers can uncover critical areas or gaps from our school premises, including white bond paper, yellow pad
research and possibly add new elements to further improve this paper, and intermediate pad papers. Initially, the papers
concept. Colegio San Agustin Binan could use this concept to underwent manual sorting to remove any non-paper materials.
give new projects to students, and possibly construct structures Following this, the shredded papers were carefully stored in a
made from the results of this research. (WPE) – Wastepaper cardboard container, covered with newspaper to prevent
and Eggshell, (WPEP) – Wastepaper and Eggshell Product, scattering. An industrial-grade blender was then utilized to
(WPEB) – Wastepaper and Eggshell Block, Reference shred the papers into small, uniform particles. This shredding
Standard – Cited literatures/research will be used as the was crucial to ensure the fibers were fine enough to effectively
standard value for comparing. bind with water, facilitating the formation of bricks from the
recycled material.
2. METHODOLOGY
2.2 Soaking
The methodology outlined involves the development
of eco-friendly construction materials using wastepaper and Following the shredding process, the researchers
eggshell aggregates. It encompasses a series of steps, including proceeded with the soaking phase. Water and the Eggshell
collecting, processing, and mixing the ingredients to form Powder was then added to the shredded paper within the
blocks. Two crucial tests, compressive strength, and water industrial-grade blender, and the mixture's consistency was
absorption rate are conducted to assess the blocks' carefully gauged based on its thickness. This evaluation
performance. Additionally, a feedback loop allows for allowed the researchers to ensure an optimal balance of water
continuous refinement of the manufacturing process based on and shredded paper powder. The soaking process was
test results. This methodology offers a systematic approach to conducted over a period of approximately two hours using the
creating sustainable building materials with potential industrial-grade blender. Once the desired thick consistency
was achieved, the mixture of wastepaper powder and water premature testing could lead to block fragility. To address this,
was transferred to a plastic container equipped with small- they extended curing by 28 days to ensure complete moisture
sized holes. This container served to facilitate drainage and removal, enhancing block strength. This cautious approach
further preparation of the material for subsequent stages of the aimed to optimize wastepaper block evaluation.
Wastepaper Powder making.
3.0 Process of Eggshell Powder
2.3 Wet pulverizing
3.1 Gathering of Eggshells
The next step was Wet Pulverizing. To ensure
hygienic handling and to prevent water absorption, the The eggshells employed in this research were
researchers took the precaution of wearing plastic gloves. With graciously contributed by Francis Gregorio and Jeshua
the equipment properly set up, the researchers then proceeded Yoingco, whose collaboration significantly enriched the
to manually mash and knead the Wastepaper Powder until it experimental process. Furthermore, to ensure an adequate
attained the desired damp consistency, making it suitable for sample size for our investigation, we collected additional eggs
shaping according to its requirements. from our esteemed colleagues, thereby broadening the scope
and robustness of our study.
2.4 Draining
3.2 Cleaning of Eggshells
After achieving the desired damp consistency
through Wet Pulverizing, the next step involved draining the Initially, the eggshells underwent a thorough
excess water from the Wastepaper Powder. Employing the cleansing process using tap water, followed by gentle wiping
same plastic container with small holes that was used earlier, with clean tissue to mitigate any residual stickiness prior to
the researchers utilized it as a drainage mechanism for the commencing the grinding procedure. This preparatory step
Wastepaper Powder. Applying controlled pressure to the was essential to maintain the integrity and purity of the
material within the container, the researchers then facilitated eggshell samples for subsequent analysis within the research
the release of excess water, ensuring that the Wastepaper framework.
Powder reached a granular texture. By carefully managing the
drainage and exerting appropriate pressure, the researchers 3.3 Grinding of Eggshells
were able to transform the initial damp mixture into a granular
form that met the specifications required for further processing The eggshells were meticulously ground and
and utilization. crushed using a mortar and pestle for an approximate duration
of 20 minutes. Employing a hammering technique, the pestle
2.5 Drying was rolled with firm and consistent pressure to ensure
thorough fragmentation and homogenization of the eggshell
The researchers experimented with two drying material. This methodological approach was employed to
methods, air drying and oven drying, for the wastepaper achieve a finely powdered consistency conducive to
powder. Air drying, taking two weeks, was chosen initially due subsequent analytical procedures within the research protocol.
to its practicality. However, they also tested oven drying,
which took only 48 hours but yielded inferior results. This led 3.4 Powdering
them to prefer air drying, suspecting that the oven technology
available might not be as advanced as required. This highlights Following the grinding process utilizing a mortar
the significance of selecting the most effective drying method and pestle, the pulverized eggshells were meticulously
based on practical considerations and past experiences. collected and transformed into a finely powdered state.
Particular attention was paid to ensuring the refinement of the
2.6 Powdered eggshell powder, thereby attaining a homogenized and
consistent texture. This meticulous procedure aimed to
Researchers withheld declaring air-dried wastepaper produce a standardized and uniform sample of eggshell
powder as blocks due to moisture concerns. They feared
powder suitable for subsequent analytical methodologies 5.0 Production of Standard Mix Proportioning Process
within the research methodology. for Producing a Wastepaper-Eggshell Product (WPE).
4.0 Production of WPEB (Wastepaper Eggshell Block) The standard mix proportioning Process for
Wastepaper-Eggshells Product (WPE) began with collecting,
4.1 Mixing sorting, and preparing wastepaper from diverse sources. The
wastepaper was then pulped, potentially treated with
The methodology began with pulverizing chemicals, and shaped into sheets, followed by pressing,
wastepaper until achieving a powdered consistency when drying, and finishing stages. Quality control measures were
mixed with water. Attention was focused on thorough enforced throughout to maintain consistency and meet
pulverization to ensure a fine powder. Eggshell powder was specifications. Finished products were packaged, and waste
then added, only after confirming the wastepaper's powdered was managed responsibly. For investigating different factors,
state. This sequential process ensured proper mixing, a simplified mix proportioning approach was employed.
facilitating uniform distribution and integration of
components. 6.0 Main Testing

4.2 Molding 6.1 Compressive Strength

Following the preparation of the Wastepaper and A minimum strength of 1.5 MPa is recommended
Eggshell Powder (WPEP), the mixture underwent further for lightweight non-load bearing block units intended for
blending with 50ml of water to achieve a pulp-like partitioning or nonstructural applications.
consistency. Subsequently, the blended mixture was carefully
transferred into a plastic container with dimensions of 50mm The compressive strength test for Wastepaper and
x 50mm x 50mm. This procedural step ensured the uniform Eggshell Block Building materials will be conducted in
distribution and compaction of the WPEP within the accordance with a hydraulic press testing machine, utilizing a
designated container, thereby facilitating subsequent testing 50mm x 50mm x 50mm WPEB cubic block product. The
and analysis within the research methodology. product will be centrally positioned with the center of the ball
seated platen on the compression testing machine. The
4.3 Curing compressive load will be applied at a loading rate of 2400 N/s,
and the maximum crushing load achieved will be recorded.
Following the fabrication of the Wastepaper and
Eggshell Powder (WPEP) mold, it is imperative to adhere to a 6.2 Water Absorption Rate
curing period of 28 days as stipulated in the cited literature.
This waiting period is essential to allow for the proper curing For Water Absorption Rate, the capillary rise action
and setting of the WPEP specimen, ensuring its structural was used, measurements of the dimensions of the faces of the
integrity and stability prior to conducting the experimental WPEB sized at 50m x 50mm x 50mm were taken, and the
phase of the study. gross area (As) for each WEB was calculated. These WPEB
specimens were then placed with their faces supported on a
4.4 Production of WPE Block supporting device with an area of 400 mm² to ensure partial
immersion. Immersed in water to a depth of 5mm ± 1mm
After the 28-day curing period, the WPEP block was throughout the test duration, and a stopwatch was activated.
extracted from its mold, maintaining its intended shape, To maintain a constant water level and prevent evaporation of
indicating successful molding and curing. Despite a rough the wet specimen, the tank was covered.
surface texture, it closely followed the mold's contours,
suggesting overall shape consistency during curing and drying After immersion for a period ranging from 1 min to
stages. 10 min respectively, the products were removed and weighed.
Prior to weighing, surface water was wiped off from each As shown in Table 1, the WPE mix displayed higher
product. compressive strength than the Standard Value based on the
cited literature, which shows a positive result when compared
6.3 Compare with the Existing Reference Standard to the referenced standard value.

The processing parameters, including the Table 2

water/binder ratio, water/aggregate (WA)/sand ratio, and
compacting force, will be identified as having crucial effects Water Absorption Rate of WPE
on the compressive strength of WPEB. Consequently, to
maximize the compressive strength of WPE and meet the Mixes Water Absorption Rate
strength requirements for non-structural/non-load-bearing (kg/m² x min0.5)
blocks, an optimization study was conducted to ascertain the
optimal mixture composition for WPE. Average Value 0.019

Reference Standard 0.08

6.4 Statistical Analysis

After gathering the results from the compressive

strength and water absorption tests using ANOVA, the As shown in table 2 above, the average value of the
researchers proceeded to conduct a Tukey's test for pairwise WPE mix displayed lower water absorption rate than the
comparisons. This post-hoc analysis allowed for a detailed reference standard based on the cited literature, which means
examination of differences between multiple groups. The it has slower absorption rate and a positive outcome of the
Tukey's test was particularly useful in identifying specific product compared to the reference standard.
group differences while controlling for the overall experiment-
wise error rate. By comparing the means of each group with
every other group, the researchers could determine which pairs The second objective is to determine the significant
showed statistically significant differences in compressive difference of the compressive strength and water absorption
strength and water absorption. This comprehensive analysis rate between the WPE mixture and the reference standard.
provided valuable insights into the performance of different
materials under various conditions, aiding. Table 3

Compressive Stength Significance

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Comparison Absolute Critical Results
The first objective is to determine the compressive
Difference Range
strength & water absorption rate of the WPE mixture.
Average 2.488 2.47865 Significant
Table 1
Value Difference
Compressive Strength Mixes of WPE
Reference 2.474 2.47865 Significant
Standard Difference
Mixes Compressive Strength
(n=28) (MPa)
Based on the table above, the value of the
Average Value 2.48
compressive strength of the WPE mix had a significant
difference since both were above the critical range, which
Reference Standard 2.47
meant rejecting the null hypothesis. This still shows a positive
value when compared to the referenced standard value.
Table 4
Based also on the table above, the value of the WPE
Analysis of Variance for Compressive Strength mix for water absorption had no significant difference to the
reference standard, as both were above the critical range,
leading to rejecting the null hypothesis. This indicates a slower
Comparison SS df MS f absorption rate, which is still a positive outcome of the product
compared to the reference standard.
Sample 0.215 3 0.071893 0.03594
68 65 Table 3

Standard 1.227 6 0.204555 Analysis of Variance for Water Absorption Rate

329
Comparison SS df MS f
9
Sample 0.206 3 0.068771 0.47326
Comparison P-value F crit 313 12

Sample 0.21568 4.012363 Standard 0.871 6 0.145313

878

Conducting an analysis of variance (ANOVA) on Comparison P-value F crit

the Compressive Strength Test from its comparative revealed
a P-value of 0.0474095 seen on the table. Since it falls lower Sample 0.33530 2.495447
than the conventional P-value of 0.05, this signifies that there 99
is a significant difference with the results in terms of the
compressive strength capacity between each mixture. The
ANOVA results reject the null hypothesis due to the findings
resulting in a significant difference. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted
on the Compressive Strength Test and Water Absorption Test
results from its comparative tests, revealing a P-value of
Table 3 0.3353099 as seen in the table. Since it was higher than the
conventional P-value of 0.05, this signified that there was no
Wate Absorption Rate Significance significant difference in the results in terms of the compressive
strength capacity between each mixture. The ANOVA
Comparison Absolute Critical Results accepted the results of the null hypothesis due to the findings
Difference Range resulting in no significant difference.

Average 0.0198 0.0931453 No 4. CONCLUSIONS

Value Significant
Difference The research focused on developing a Wastepaper
and Eggshell Product (WPE) as an alternative building
Reference 0.0802 0.0931453 No material. It involved preliminary laboratory experimentation
Standard Significant and main experimentation. The preliminary stage included
Difference processing wastepaper and eggshells, characterizing
materials, and developing a mixture proportioning process.
Main experimentation involved three phases: assessing 6. REFERENCES
compressive strength, water absorption rate, and optimizing
the product's mixture. Cree, D., & Rutter, A. (2015). Sustainable Bio-Inspired
Limestone eggshell powder for potential industrialized
Results indicated WPE's suitability for applications. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 3(5),
construction, with acceptable compressive strength and 941–949. [Link]
reasonable water absorption rates compared to standards.
Overall, the research provided valuable insights into the Althoey, F., Ansari, W. S., Sufian, M., & Deifalla, A. F.
potential of WPE as a sustainable building material and (2023). Advancements in low-carbon concrete as a
outlined avenues for further investigation and development. construction material for the sustainable built environment.
Developments in the Built Environment, 16, 100284.
5. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS [Link]

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those Biklia. Oscar, lon.W.W (2023) Density of concrete with SDA
who contributed to and guided us throughout our research partial replacement. (n.d.).
project, thereby making it a success. Without the support and ResearchGate.[Link]
assistance of these individuals, our journey on this project of-concrete-with-SDA partial-replacement_fig5_354058414
would not have been as memorable and fulfilling. First and
foremost, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our esteemed Damineli, B. L., Kemeid, F. M., Aguiar, P. S., & John, V. M.
research adviser, Dr. Genevieve G. Estrañero, for her (2010). Measuring the eco-efficiency of cement use.
invaluable advice and guidance throughout our research Cement & Concrete Composites, 32(8), 555–562.
endeavor. Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Ms. Rona [Link]
Suanco and Mr. Jon Ray Maglonzo for their unwavering
patience and insightful recommendations over the past two De Queiróz Lamas, W., Palau, J. C. F., & De Camargo, J. R.
years. Their presence and encouragement have been (2013). Waste materials co-processing in cement industry:
invaluable, and we are especially grateful to Xie Cardiente for Ecological efficiency of waste reuse. Renewable &
her exceptional support and suggestions. We also extend our Sustainable Energy Reviews, 19, 200–207.
thanks to Lemuel Amatorio for lending his blender, which [Link]
greatly expedited our paper-grinding process, and to our
section, Vicariatus Viennensis, for their generous provision of Shen, L., Tianming, G., Zhao, J., Li-Mao, W., Wang, L., Liu,
resources and support. Lastly, we express our gratitude to L., Chen, F., & Xue, J. (2014). Factory- level measurements
Colegio San Agustin Biñan and Crown Crus Industrial sales on CO2 emission factors of cement production in China.
for providing us with research resources and access to Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 34, 337–
laboratories and technological tools, thereby enriching our 349. [Link]
learning experiences and facilitating our study. We extend our
appreciation to the staff for their assistance in assuring our Razali, N., Azizan, M. A., Pa’ee, K. F., Razali, N., & Jumadi,
project whenever necessary. N. (2020). Preliminary studies on calcinated chicken
eggshells as fine aggregates replacement in conventional
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359. [Link]