IPN developed an innovative radon-proof paint from eggshell waste
General
RTD Laboratories
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Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), in collaboration with a team of researchers from the Faculty of Science of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), developed an innovative paint with the addition of eggshell residue that prevents the passage of radon gas.
“The ShellutionPlus project sought to develop biogenic mineral charges in an innovative and sustainable way for the formulation of paint and paper, reconciling the associated challenges with the management and processing of food waste with what is necessary for the technical performance of the listed products.”, explains Teresa Vieira, professor and researcher of the Center for Mechanical Engineering, Material and Processes (CEMMPRE) of the Mechanical Engineering Department of FCTUC.
What differentiates the existent calcium carbonatee in the chicken’s egg from what occurs in nature and the synthetic one, “is the nanoporosity that is present in the eggshell, which is maintained during the processing of the paint, contributing to improving certain optical properties and enhancing the barrier effect to the passage of radon gas.” adds João Duarte, researcher at IPN.
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This new composition of paints is patented (nºs EP4168494A1 e WO2021255083A1).
“In the case of the paper industry the potential of biogenic mineral charges to improve mechanical resistance properties has been demonstrated” said Paulo Ferreira, a professor at the Chemistry Engineering Department (DEQ), who coordinated the paper application project at FCTUC. “However, no progress has been made with the usage of this calcium carbonate on an industrial scale because Portugal’s eggshell production capacity is insufficient to satisfy the needs of paper companies.”
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Despite the promising results, this innovation still faces some challenges and optimization needs. The insufficient quantity of eggshell production is a problem, but the separation issue of the organic and inorganic part is hindering the commercialization in the market. “Nevertheless, the impact should be positive in the future, both for those who produce the waste, who are able to direct it and avoid it going to the landfill, but also for those who receive it, since it contributes to value-added products and comes from a waste with unique characteristics, positioning the industries involved at the forefront of sustainability.” they conclude.
The “SHELLUTIONPLUS - Usage of the nanoporosity eggshell in paint and paper recharges” was coordinated by IPN’s researcher João Duarte and by the FCTUC professors, Paulo Ferreira and Teresa Vieira.
Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN), in collaboration with a team of researchers from the Faculty of Science of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC), developed an innovative paint with the addition of eggshell residue that prevents the passage of radon gas.
“The ShellutionPlus project sought to develop biogenic mineral charges in an innovative and sustainable way for the formulation of paint and paper, reconciling the associated challenges with the management and processing of food waste with what is necessary for the technical performance of the listed products.”, explains Teresa Vieira, professor and researcher of the Center for Mechanical Engineering, Material and Processes (CEMMPRE) of the Mechanical Engineering Department of FCTUC.
What differentiates the existent calcium carbonatee in the chicken’s egg from what occurs in nature and the synthetic one, “is the nanoporosity that is present in the eggshell, which is maintained during the processing of the paint, contributing to improving certain optical properties and enhancing the barrier effect to the passage of radon gas.” adds João Duarte, researcher at IPN.
This new composition of paints is patented (nºs EP4168494A1 e WO2021255083A1).
“In the case of the paper industry the potential of biogenic mineral charges to improve mechanical resistance properties has been demonstrated” said Paulo Ferreira, a professor at the Chemistry Engineering Department (DEQ), who coordinated the paper application project at FCTUC. “However, no progress has been made with the usage of this calcium carbonate on an industrial scale because Portugal’s eggshell production capacity is insufficient to satisfy the needs of paper companies.”
Despite the promising results, this innovation still faces some challenges and optimization needs. The insufficient quantity of eggshell production is a problem, but the separation issue of the organic and inorganic part is hindering the commercialization in the market. “Nevertheless, the impact should be positive in the future, both for those who produce the waste, who are able to direct it and avoid it going to the landfill, but also for those who receive it, since it contributes to value-added products and comes from a waste with unique characteristics, positioning the industries involved at the forefront of sustainability.” they conclude.
The “SHELLUTIONPLUS - Usage of the nanoporosity eggshell in paint and paper recharges” was coordinated by IPN’s researcher João Duarte and by the FCTUC professors, Paulo Ferreira and Teresa Vieira.
