Effect of sintering time on porosity and compressibility of calcium carbonate from Amusium pleuronectes (scallop shell)

This research aims to synthesize and characterize of scallop shell powder in order to understand its mechanical properties in term of porosity and compressibility. The scallop shell was synthesized using the ball milling method for five hours and speed rotation of 400 rpm then was sintered at 1100℃ in various durations (without sintering, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes). The synthesis results were characterized using the XRD, SEM-EDX, and FTIR. The XRD test showed the crystal size on the sample without sintering was 69.55 nm whereas in the sample with 60 minutes sintering process, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes were 106.57 nm, 106.58 nm, and 106.59 nm. The SEM test displayed morphology changes in the sample after sintering. The EDX process presented that the most massive oxygen content was found in the sample without sintering; the largest calcium content was found in the sample with 60 minutes sintering process. The FTIR test showed that the CaCO₃ functional group turned into CaO due to the sintering process. Porosity that occurs shows an increase with increasing sintering time. Increased porosity results in decreased compressibility of CaO with larger particle sizes.