DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GLASS CERAMIC FROM COCA-COLA GLASS BOTTLE AND MAGNESITE, A RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
ABSTRACT
In a bid to address environmental challenges associated with the management of waste Coca cola glass bottle, this study sets out to develop glass ceramic materials using waste Coca cola glass bottles. Magnesite from Sakatsimta in Adamawa state and reagent grade chrome (coloring agent) were used to modify the composition of the coca cola glass bottle; x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the raw materials. Four batches GC-1= (Coca cola glass frit +1%Cr2O3), GC-2= (97% Coca cola glass frit+ 2%magnesite+1%Cr2O3), GC-3= (95% Coca cola glass frit+ 4%magnesite+1%Cr2O3) and GC-4= (93%Coca cola glass frit+ 6%magnesite+ 1%Cr2O3) were formulated and prepared. TGA results were used as a guide in selection of three temperatures (7000C, 7500C and 8000C) used for the study. Three particle sizes -106+75, -75+53, -53µm and 2hrs sintering time were used. The sinter crystallization route of glass ceramic production was adopted. Produced samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the density, porosity, hardness and flexural strength of the resulting glass ceramics were also measured using Archimedes principle, ASTM C373, ASTM C348, ASTM C1327 respectively. The resulting glass ceramic materials composed mainly of wollastonite, diopside and anorthite phases depending on composition as revealed by XRD and SEM. The density of the samples increased with increasing sintering temperature and decreasing particle size while the porosity was minimal and decreased with increasing sintering temperature and decreasing particle size. The obtained glass ceramic materials possessed appreciable hardness and flexural strength with GC-3 and GC-4 having the best combination of both properties. It is therefore recommended that both compositions be used were a good combination of the aforementioned property is required.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0Â Â Â Â INTRODUCTION
The chronology of the human race from inception has been predicated on one material or the other in the form of tools or simple machine for usage. Historically the development and advancement of societies have been intimately tied to the members‟ ability to produce and manipulate materials to provide their needs. In fact early civilizations have been designated by the level of their materials development (Stone age, Bronze age, Iron age) (Callister, 2007). Modern science and technology constantly require new materials with special properties to achieve breathtaking innovations.
