The Future and Prospects of Periwinkle Composites in Reinforced Concretes: A Review
Nkwoada Amarachi *
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Science, Federal University of Technology Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria.
Onyedika Gerald
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Science, Federal University of Technology Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria.
Oguzie Emeka
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Science, Federal University of Technology Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria and African Centre of Excellence in Future Energies and Electrochemical Systems (ACE-FUELS), Federal University of Technology Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria.
Ogwuegbu Martin
Department of Chemistry, School of Physical Science, Federal University of Technology Owerri, PMB 1526, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The choice of building materials and the rising cost of construction materials have continued to plaque the building and construction industry without an immediate solution. Industrialists and scholars are investigating several naturally occurring materials for concrete composite reinforcements. The article chronologically reviewed the growth and development of periwinkle shell powder (PSP) and periwinkle ash powder (PSA) as composite materials in concretes. Findings showed that 28 days of curing age are required for lightweight concretes reinforced with PSP or PAP at 10-30% optimum. Produced lightweight concretes were susceptible to acidic medium and induce lower compressive strength which eventually leads to concrete/structure disintegrate and collapse. Research challenges and funding hamper the application of PSP/PAP in the concrete formulation and are unable to drive innovations and economic benefits as a composite. Advances in concrete technology showed that PSP/PSA mollusk shells achieve pillar strength grade and weight/load bearing status for the improvement of PSP/PSA blended concretes. Also, the composite potential showed that the functionalization of PSP/PSA, sustainability, and nano modification of cementitious materials and concretes are promising. Future studies are required to develop periwinkle reinforced concrete silos, sewers, and smart concrete materials with improved mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties.
Keywords: Concrete reinforcement, composite material, building materials, mollusk shells and sustainability