Futurity · Space

Eggshells Used to Create Stronger, Lighter Metal Alloys

Researchers have developed a method using powdered eggshells to produce high-quality magnesium alloys, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional calcium materials.

This technique utilizes eggshells, which are 95% calcium carbonate, as a low-cost, environmentally friendly source of calcium. Conventional calcium materials are typically derived from ore through an energy-intensive process.

The process involves friction stir extrusion. Finely ground eggshells are mixed into a magnesium block, and friction converts the calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and calcium, forming a high-strength alloy (Mg2Ca). The alloy is then extruded into rods.

This method offers benefits such as fewer manufacturing steps, a reliable supply chain, reduced costs, and significantly less energy consumption compared to ore processing.

The resulting magnesium alloys are stronger and harder, with a combination of strength and lightness suitable for applications in electronics and aerospace.

The researchers demonstrated this proof-of-concept using magnesium and eggshells, but the friction stir extrusion technique has also been shown to produce magnetic composites from aluminum and samarium-cobalt powder.

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