Few people would fancy walking on eggshells, but five smart scientists have come up with an egg-cellent idea that will revolutionise one of the most common natural waste products.
Muhamad Faizal Abd Halim, Zaleha Afandi, Mohd Hariz Kamarudin, Ahmad Zafir Romli, Mohd Hanafiah Abidin and Rassimi Abdul Ghani are spearheading an innovative concept that will transform the leftovers from our breakfast fry-ups into tiles. The Institute of Science in Uitm, Malaysia, are overseeing the research into creating EPoSTi tiles from a composite of polymers and eggshells from chickens.
The scientists are harnessing the durability of nature’s eggshell by employing it in micro form as part of their tiles. Shells act as rigid particulate fillers which combine impact resistance and can bear the brunt of day to day knocks with ease.
Nature is undoubtedly a force to contend with, as the EPoSTi tiles prove, withstanding up to 750 degrees celsius and showing its mettle under rigorous thermal testing. With a make up of approximately 94% calcium carbonate, the heat durability makes the tiles a sure-fire hit for hotter climate zones. The tiles are also perfect for underwater flooring.
Aside from being an environmentally friendly use of an unwanted by-product, these new tiles find a useful solution to the problem of industrial waste produced by factories using eggs in their products. China is currently the world’s main egg producer and is expected to be a likely source for the EPoSTi manufacturers.
