POTENTIAL OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) HUSK ASH AND

EGGSHELLS AS BIOCOMPOSITE TILES

Arabit, Romeo Francis C.

Bresenio, Marini Agatha S.

Gatchalian, Dannie M.

Ilao, Sam Luwie F.

Lundag, Sofia Z.

Marzan, Jhaneene Faith A.

Palmares, Reuben Wei T.

Ty, Monica Jhane Ashley N.

Integrated Basic Education Department

Siena College of Taytay

Capstone Project & Inquiry, Investigation, and Immersion

Grade 12 – STEM 1

Arfred L. Natividad, LPT, MSME (c)

May 2022
 ABSTRACT

This study aimed to know the potential of rice husk ash and eggshell powder as biocomposite

tiles. Its purpose was to produce biocomposite tiles as an alternative to commercially used tiles to lessen

adverse effects on the environment. The descriptive-comparative research design was utilized in order to

compare the biocomposite and commercially used tiles in terms of thickness, breaking load, and flexural

strength. Mean and independent t-test were used to know the significant difference between the two tile

groups. It was found that the rice husk ash decreased the strength of the tiles but statistics shown there

was no significant difference between the two tile groups which implies that the biocomposites tile could

be an alternative to commercially used tiles.

1
 INTRODUCTION

Tile Industry

One of the most widely used tiles today are ceramic tiles. Back then, these were made from clay

then baked or fired in a kiln at low temperatures. There are glazed ceramic tiles, wall tiles, and floor tiles

(Flooring America, 2020). Tiles may be made with naturally occurring materials, such as clay, rocks and

sand, but these have been quarried and used for construction work for years. Their biggest impact to the

environment is the energy spent for the collection of these raw materials. These also produce adverse

environmental effects as the quarries emit air and water pollutants which make these environmentally

destructive (Berthold, 2015).

Utilization of Biocomposites in the Construction Industry

As a solution for the harmful effects on the environment, people came up with biocomposites.

According to Abdulkhani et. al. (2020), biocomposites are materials composed of natural and renewable

sources and these have been found feasible as raw materials used in construction. These consist of a large

variety of materials, ranging from natural polymers, proteins, and sugars to nanocarbons that are

presented in various forms such as films, coatings, particles, fibers, and foams (Haraguchi, 2021).

Biocomposites are natural fiber-reinforced biopolymers and are being developed as alternatives to

conventional materials that may be nonrenewable or manufactured by pollution emitting processes

(Christian, 2016). These biocomposites have recently found their way into the building and construction

industry.

Concepts of green buildings to live and work require an ecologically healthy place, hence

biocomposites serve as potential eco-friendly materials for eco-friendly buildings (Alam et. al., 2021). A

study conducted by Gebremedhin & Rotich (2020) produced biocomposite tiles from pineapple leaf fibers

reinforced with low-density polyethylene, and determined the feasibility for prospective industrial use.

2
Another study also produced biocomposite tiles from four different granulometries of rubber waste

powders combined with polyurethane resin using a hot-press machine. It has been said that making

biocomposite tiles is very important to save the environment, and to reduce waste and pollution. These

not only help to prevent pollution caused by rubber wastes, but they also provide new business options for

community members (Revelo et al., 2021).

Utilization of Agricultural Waste for Construction Materials

In making biocomposites, natural materials are needed and one of these are waste materials. One

of the most common agricultural wastes generated by the country is rice husk that came from the staple

food of the Philippines which is rice. The estimated production of rice hull in the Philippines is more than

2 million tons per annum which is equivalent to approximately 5 million BOE (barrels of oil equivalent)

in terms of energy (Zafar, 2021). Rice husk is the hard protective coverings of rice grains which are

separated from the grains during the milling process. It contains about 30% - 50% of organic carbon, and

when turned to ash as a product of incineration, the primary residues are the silicates (Singh, 2018).

Because of its high silica content, it has been found that rice husk ash could be beneficially added to

cement deep mixing to enhance the strength of materials. The utilization of rice husk ash into construction

materials would have a positive impact on waste management (Jongpradist, 2018).

Another most common waste generated are eggshells. According to Waheed et. al (2020), the

global egg production was around 78 million metric tons back in 2018, approximately 8.58 million metric

tons of these are discarded mostly as waste. Eggshells are calcium-rich commodities that are being

dumped into landfills and contribute to various environmental issues. According to Hamada et. al. (2020),

eggshells have cementitious properties due to the presence of calcium oxide. Commercial cement and

eggshells are similar, having calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as the main constituent. Further, eggshells have

been found to improve the durability of concrete by reducing water absorption which provides higher

resistance to environmental hazards (Hamada et. al., 2020).

3
Usage of Epoxy Resin

In making composites, epoxy resins are used primarily for fabricating composites with high

mechanical properties and good adhesion (Composites Lab, 2022). Resins are liquid with two

components. When mixed with a hardener, a chemical reaction will take place making the resin form into

solid. Resin possesses excellent insulation and electrical capabilities, has a lengthy shelf life, and is

resistant to impact. It is also extensively used in molding parts due to its varied property range, offering

numerous reinforcements and combinations (Acrylgiessen, 2021). Based on the article of Conserve

Energy Future (2022), resin is only biodegradable if it is produced from organic materials and it can be

broken down into smaller pieces. Unlike plastic that can take years to decompose, biodegradable resins

can be broken down by bacteria and microorganisms. According to the Resin Expert (2020), epoxy resins

is considered the best option due to its strong properties, finish, and good adhesion qualities. Ideal for

many applications. It can be used in sealants, varnishes, casting and caulking compounds, paints, and all

sorts of other industrial applications. According to Roxy Epoxy (2021), the average time it takes for the

resin to cure can take 24-72 hours. During this time, the resin shouldn’t be touched or moved as it can

damage the surface.

According to Xie et. al. (2018), epoxy resin has been used as adhesive, vital in concrete adhesive

and repair, structural design, runway repair, road repair and concrete fracture strengthening. With these,

epoxy resin materials are usually utilized in concrete member bonding and repair. It has high strength,

good durability, fast growth strength, good toughness, forming time is short, and the advantages of easy

construction. Lee et. al. (2020) used epoxy resin adhesive injected into the cement mortar and was then

applied to tiles. Because of the injected epoxy resin, the mechanical adhesion at each surface was

enhanced, and it minimized the moisture evaporation and shrinkage of the mortar. Combined with a

cement matrix to achieve enhanced strength, specimens that used epoxy resin adhesive exhibited the

highest adhesion strength, regardless of the type of tile.

4
Evaluation of Properties of Composites

Due to its main advantage, which is recycling waste materials, biocomposites became a subject of

different research. According to the study of Singh & Singh (2019), an evaluation on the properties of

biocomposite materials using sawdust and rice husk found that rice husks reduced the mechanical strength

of the epoxy resin and decreased the tensile (flexural) strength of the material. But the tensile strength

varies directly with the (breaking) load when used with rice husks. Supporting this was the study

conducted by Gebremedhin & Rotich (2020), the flexural strength of the recycled low-density

polyethylene reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber tile composite was evaluated and was also found that

there was a reduction in the flexural strength when the weight of the proponents were heavier but if the

amount was controlled and lowered, the optimum flexural strength was obtained. A similar study by

Kondu et. al. (2021), proved that in making biocomposite roofing shingles, adding more rice husk ash

resulted in a decline in flexural strength, suggesting that the ash saturated the matrix therefore producing a

weaker composite. However, in order to strengthen the composites, Lazrak et. al. (2018) stated that the

strength properties of the composites could further be improved by increasing the polymer content. It was

experimentally determined by putting high density polyethylene in wood-plastic composites. Also, a

study conducted by Azman et. al. (2012), proved that hydrothermally treated biocomposite kenaf fibers

presented good strength but biocomposite kenaf fibers that were left untreated projected a higher modulus

of rupture or strength.

Based on multiple literature and studies, the production of most commercially available tiles

presents adverse effects on the environment. Biocomposites, being made of renewable resources, have the

potential to help in having eco-friendly construction. However, past studies only focused on utilizing rice

husk ash, eggshells, and resin individually in improving cement and other composite materials, there are

no existing studies about making rice husk ash and eggshell powder into biocomposite tiles. Hence the

researchers figured to make biocomposite tiles out of rice husk ash and eggshell powder mixed with

epoxy resin instead. It could be an alternative as it is beneficial for the environment because it reduces

5
waste through recycling and repurposing instead. This study only focused on the thickness, breaking load,

and the flexural strength of the made biocomposite tiles, any other tests weren’t included. Only the data

gathered from the results of the trials and tests from the testing facility were used. Any materials and data

gathered beyond the scope or timeframe were not considered.

Statement of the Problem

The main purpose of this study was to produce biocomposite tiles that would be an alternative to

commercially used tiles to lessen adverse effects on the environment from its production. This may also

lessen wastes by repurposing rice husk ash and eggshell powder which are conventionally treated as

waste products.

Specifically, this study intended to provide answers and solutions to the following questions:

1. What are the resulting physical properties of the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite

tiles in terms of:

1.1. thickness;

1.2. breaking load; and

1.3. flexural strength?

2. What are the resulting physical properties of the commercially used tiles in terms of:

2.1. thickness;

2.2. breaking load; and

2.3. flexural strength?

3. Is there significant difference between the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles

and the commercially used tiles in terms of:

3.1. thickness;

3.2. breaking load; and

3.3. flexural strength?

6
Hypothesis

LaMorte (2019) stated that p-value ≤ 0.05 is an arbitrary but widely used threshold for assessing

whether or not a change is statistically significant therefore, the following null hypothesis tested using this

level of significance: There is no significant difference between the rice husk ash and eggshells

biocomposite tiles and the commercially used tiles in terms of:

1. thickness;

2. breaking load; and

3. flexural strength.

7
 METHODS

Research Design

This study utilized a descriptive-comparative research design. A descriptive design aims on obtaining

information to systematically describe a phenomenon and the variables are only identified, observed and

measured. A descriptive-comparative design was used as it compares two or more groups, people, or

conditions based on a specific aspect (Voxco, 2021). In this study, two groups that were subjected to

different tests were the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and the commercially used

tiles. No manipulation between the two groups was made. The tests involved measured the physical

properties of the two tile groups namely, thickness, breaking load, and flexural strength. The results from

both groups were compared and used to prove or disprove on whether there is a significant difference

between the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and the commercially used tiles in

terms of their physical properties.

Locale of the Study

The research was conducted at the residence of the researcher during the School Year 2021-2022.

The researchers as students of Siena College of Taytay, were unable to conduct the study at the school

with having laboratories and equipment, due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The researchers

then conducted the testing of the final product at the University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of

Civil Engineering Construction Materials and Structures Laboratory, as it is one of the qualified

institutions that provided the necessary means to measure the results of the study.

Sampling Technique

This study did not employ any sampling technique since no respondents were needed in order to

gather data for the needed physical properties and significant difference of the tiles. The study only relied

on experimentation and testing that is developmental and experimental in nature.

8
Participants of the Study

The study didn’t gather any participants since a sampling technique wasn’t utilized. The physical

properties and significant difference between rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and

commercially used tiles were gathered through experimentation only, hence respondents were not needed.

Research Instrument

The instrument used to obtain relevant data required to gather the outcomes of the tests were

experiment and testing. It was used to provide information about the thickness, breaking load and flexural

strength of biocomposite tile and the commercially used tiles. To reinforce the accuracy and validity of

the research instrument to this study, the testing was sought with the help of a qualified engineer from

University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Civil Engineering Construction Materials and Structures

Laboratory.

Data Gathering Procedure

Before doing the testing, the researchers made the biocomposite tiles and purchased the

commercially used tiles to compare the physical characteristics and differences of each tile. Every tile was

subjected to a standardized test then the results based on the trial were listed.

The following steps and procedures were done to make rice husk ash and eggshell powder

biocomposite tiles, and the testing of the biocomposite tiles and the commercially used tiles:

1. Gathered all the data in related studies and literature as a data basis.

1.1. The researchers determined the components and properties of rice husk ash and eggshell

powder

1.1.1. Rice husk ash has high silica content that can enhance construction materials

(Jongpradist, 2018)

1.1.2. Eggshell powder has cementitious properties because of the calcium oxide

content that increases the durability of construction materials (Hamada et. al.,

2020).

1.2. The researchers researched the ratio of the ingredients and mixtures in making the

biocomposite tile, and the curing time for the resin.

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 1.2.1. 1200g of particles should be casted then 120g for the resin for adhesion (Revelo

et. al., 2021).

1.2.2. Average time it takes for the resin to cure can take 24-72 hours (Roxy Epoxy,

2021).

2. Procurement and Preparation of Biocomposite Tiles and Commercially Used Tiles

2.1. Prepared the materials and equipments used in making the biocomposite tiles

2.1.1. For fast gathering of materials, the researchers ordered rice husk ash and eggshell

powder online. The resin was also ordered online. Then all the materials were

gathered.

2.1.2. Contacted the testing lab and asked for schedule reservations.

2.1.3. The tile mold was handmade and prepared.

2.1.4. The commercially used tiles were bought to have a comparison to the rice husk

ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles.

2.2. Made a trial and error in making the tiles

2.2.1. From the study conducted by Revelo et. al. (2021), the ratio was 1200g of

particles to be casted then 120g for the resin but it didn’t work for the

biocomposite tile experiment.

2.2.2. The researchers made changes in the ratio in which the first trial was 400g rice

husk ash and 200g of eggshell powder with 450g of epoxy and 150g of hardener

already showed positive results.

3. Accumulation of Materials for the Production of Biocomposite Tiles

3.1. Making the biocomposite tiles

3.1.1. First, the researchers wore protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and

masks.

3.1.2. Prepared the rice husk ash, eggshell powder, epoxy together with its hardener and

the mold for the tiles.

3.1.3. In a container, the researchers mixed 400g of rice husk ash and 200g of eggshell

powder, making a mixture weighing 600g.

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 3.1.4. The epoxy resin that the researchers bought had instructions to mix in 3:1 ratio.

In making the epoxy resin mix, 450g of epoxy resin and 150g of hardener was

used per batch. Then it was added into the rice husk ash and eggshell powder mix

and mixed carefully and properly.

3.1.5. Using a leveler tool, the researchers made sure the mold was on a leveled place.

3.1.6. The researchers used candle wax as mold release and was applied in every mold

to make sure that none of the resin would stick to the mold.

3.1.7. Then carefully poured the mixture into a 15cmx15cm mold.

3.2. Based on Roxy Epoxy (2021), the average curing time for resin should be at least 24-72

hours. Hence, the tiles were given at least 72 hours.

3.3. Since the researchers learned the correct portions and mixture, the researchers made a

second batch of tiles with the same ratio.

4. Testing of Biocomposite Tiles and Commercially Used Tiles

4.1. Conducted the testing and analyzed the results.

4.1.1. The researchers contacted an engineer from University of the Philippines

Diliman Institute of Civil Engineering Construction Materials and Structures

Laboratory for the testing, and delivered the prototypes and the commercially

used tiles.

4.1.2. For every test, both the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and

the commercially used tiles were tested.

4.1.3. The researchers were informed by the engineer from the testing laboratory that in

one trial, two results can be gathered. Both the breaking load which is the same

as breaking strength and the flexural strength can be gathered.

4.1.4. The researchers waited for the results from the laboratory technician.

5. Evaluation and Analysis of Data Using Statistical Tools

5.1. After collecting the data in each test, the researchers compared the test results of the

produced tiles with the commercial tiles.

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 5.2. In order to know the significant difference of the two tiles, t-test was used as a statistical

test.

6. Interpretation of Data

6.1. All data were listed and analyzed, then interpretations were made.

Statistical Treatment

To analyze and interpret the data gathered, descriptive statistics as mean was used in which it

summarizes all the datas with a single number to represent the datas’ center point or typical value (Frost,

2022). It describes and presents the results of the physical properties of both the biocomposite and

commercially used tiles. Then inferential statistics as independent sample t-test was utilized for it is a

parametric test that compares the means of two independent groups in order to know whether there is

statistical evidence that would prove the groups are significantly different (Kent State University, 2022).

Hence it was used for numerical analysis and for comparing magnitude of rice husk ash and eggshell

powder biocomposite tiles as the first group and commercially used tiles as the second group. The

physical properties, thickness, breaking load and flexural strength were the magnitudes gathered.

Ethical Considerations

This study considered the following ethics: (1) Honesty and Integrity. All the data gathered and

used will not extrapolate to mislead anyone that will utilize this study for future reference, (2) Objectivity.

This study avoids bias in any aspect, such as design, data analysis, interpretation, and peer review. (3)

Respect for Intellectual Property. This study did not plagiarize. Proper citation of all literature and studies

was observed by the researchers, and (4) Carefulness and openness. This study attentively avoided

careless errors and negligence. Kept good records of research activities, such as data collection,

experiment, and results of the tests. Open for sharing of data, results, ideas, resources to other researchers

and was open for criticism and suggestions.

12
 RESULTS

Table 1. Physical Properties of of Rice Husk Ash and Eggshell Powder Biocomposite Tiles and
Commercially Used Tiles
Physical Tiles Sample Sample Sample Sample Sample Mean
Properties 1 2 3 4 5

Thickness Biocomposite 6.94 6.53 7.17 6.23 7.26 6.826

(mm)
Commercial 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5

Breaking Load Biocomposite 387.58 497.33 1,124.44 756.22 596.22 672.958

(N)
Commercial 711.46 688.52 891.15 650.59 862.26 760.77

Flexural Biocomposite 8.05 11.66 21.93 19.48 11.31 14.486

Strength (MPa)
Commercial 16.84 16.3 21.09 15.4 20.41 18.008

Table 1 indicates the descriptives of the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and

commercial tiles in terms of thickness, breaking load and flexural strength. It consisted of 5 samples for

the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles and 5 samples for the commercially used tiles.

Respectively, when it comes to thickness, the biocomposite tiles have a mean of 6.826 from a fluctuating

raw data while the commercially used tiles have 6.5 mean. All commercially used tiles were found to be

consistent. The biocomposite tiles have a higher mean than the commercially used tiles in thickness.

When it comes to breaking load, the biocomposite tiles have a mean of 672.958 from a diverse

raw data while the commercially used tiles have a mean of 760.77 from also a diverse set of data. The

commercially used tiles have a higher mean compared to the biocomposite tiles in breaking load.

Lastly, when it comes to flexural strength, the biocomposite tiles have a mean of 14.486 from a

shifting raw data while the commercially used tiles have a mean of 18.008 from also a shifting set of data.

The commercially used tiles have a higher mean compared to the biocomposite tiles in flexural strength.

13
Table 2. Independent Samples T-Test of Rice Husk Ash and Eggshell Powder Biocomposite Tiles and
Commercially Used Tiles
Physical Tile Mean Statistic p-value Decision Remarks
Properties

Thickness Biocomposite 6.826 Failed to Not

(mm) -1.670 0.134 reject H0 significant
Commercial 6.5

Breaking Biocomposite 672.958 Failed to Not

Load (N) -0.638 0.541 reject H0 significant
Commercial 760.796

Flexural Biocomposite 14.486 Failed to Not

Strength -1.222 0.257 reject H0 significant
(MPa) Commercial 18.008
Note. Welch’s t-test.
*Ha μBiocomposite > μCommercial

Table 2 shows the difference in the physical properties between the rice husk ash and eggshell

powder biocomposite tiles and the commercially used tiles using the independent sample t-test via SPSS

23. Even if the biocomposite tiles are thicker with a mean of 6.826 than the commercially used tiles with a

mean of 6.5, the resulting mean of the breaking load and flexural strength of the commercially used tiles

are higher than the biocomposite tiles. The mean of the commercially used tiles in the breaking load is

760.796 while the biocomposite has 672.958. Also, the mean of the commercially used tiles in flexural

strength is higher with a 18.008 mean while the biocomposite tiles has 14.486 mean only.

On a side note, significance of difference is then interpreted as follows: having a p-value less than

0.05 (p<0.05) is statistically significant. On the other hand, the p-value that is higher than 0.05 (p>0.05) is

not statistically significant. As shown on the tabular data, the thickness has a p-value of 0.134

(0.134>0.05), the breaking load has a p-value of 0.541 (0.541>0.05), and the flexural strength has a

p-value of 0.257 (0.257>0.05) indicating that all of the p-values of the physical properties were greater

than 0.05 therefore they failed to reject the null hypothesis, which indicates that there is not enough

evidence to support the claim that there is a significant difference between the rice husk ash and eggshell

powder biocomposite tiles and commercially used tiles.

14
 DISCUSSION

Interpretation

The 5 biocomposite tile samples have a mean of 6.826 in thickness, mean of 672.958 in breaking

load and mean of 14.486 in flexural strength. The 5 commercially used tile samples have a mean of 6.500

in thickness, mean of 760.796 in breaking load and mean of 18.008 in flexural strength. The resulting

mean of the breaking load and flexural strength of the commercially used tiles are higher than the

biocomposite tiles, while the biocomposite tiles are thicker than the commercially used tiles. With the

data, it can be inferred that even if the biocomposite tiles are thicker, the durability and physical

properties of the commercially used tiles are better, supporting the study of Singh & Singh (2019),

because of the rice husk ash, it reduced the strength of the resin and decreased the flexural strength of the

tile and because it also varies directly with the breaking load, it also decreased. Also, a study conducted

by Gebremedhin & Rotich (2020) supported that the flexural strength of the material was reduced because

there was a high amount of rice husk ash, the weight of the rice husk ash affected the optimum strength of

the tile, this was also supported by Kondu et. al. (2021), suggesting that the ash saturated the matrix that

produced a weaker composite. Lazrak et. al. (2018), stated that in order to improve the strength of the

material, more polymer content should be added, this proves that the rice husk ash content should be

lessened in order to get the optimal breaking load and flexural strength of the tiles.

According to the data gathered, the biocomposite tiles don't have a consistent thickness unlike the

commercially used tiles. Both tile groups have inconsistent outcomes. Although the results were different

from each other, it has been found that there is no significant difference in the thickness, breaking load

and flexural strength between the biocomposite tiles and the commercially used tiles. Because of its

materials, it was found to be on the same level of strength as the commercially used tiles. The rice husk

has high silica content that can enhance construction materials (Jongpradist, 2018) and eggshell powder

has cementitious properties because of the calcium oxide content that increases the durability of

15
construction materials (Hamada et. al., 2020). Meanwhile, the resin was utilized as a binder for its high

strength and durability that can enhance the adhesion strength of a tile (Lee et. al., 2020). Moreover, rice

husk ash, eggshell powder and resin are eco-friendly materials that were made into tiles, supporting the

study of Gebremedhin & Rotich (2020), that biocomposites have the potential to be used in industrial

applications such as a tile. Unlike previous studies that focused on using the said materials in cement, the

focal point of the study is to make an eco-friendly tile that can be an alternative for commercially used

tiles. Furthermore, this would be beneficial to the environment by reducing waste and recycling it into

biocomposite tiles.

Implication

It can be inferred that due to the matrix of the rice husk ash and eggshell powder, the breaking

load and the flexural strength of the biocomposite tiles suffered. This proved the studies of Singh & Singh

(2019), Gebredmedhin & Rotich (2020), and Kondu et. al. (2021), stating that the high content of the rice

husk ash in the mixture of the tiles, have saturated the matrix that resulted in a weaker breaking load and

flexural strength. Also, Lazrak et. al. (2018) stated that in order to improve the strength of the tiles, more

epoxy resin should be added. This proved that the ratio used by the researchers resulted in weaker

biocomposite tiles and needs to be further improved. The thickness only makes up for the weak strength

of the biocomposite tiles. Even though there were observed differences between the two tile groups when

it comes to thickness, breaking load, and flexural strength, these were not statistically significant. It can

be inferred that biocomposite tiles could be on par with the commercially available tiles, making it a

potential eco-friendly alternative.

Limitations

This research has several notable limitations such as the use of inconsistent tile molds and the

lack of evaluation of other tile properties due to lack of resources. Various properties of tiles such as

impact resistance, moisture expansion, thermal shock resistance, and other required characteristics by the

Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) were not measured in the

16
study. Only the breaking load and flexural strength were tested since these were the only ones practical to

measure during the time of the pandemic. Also, it lacked an in depth study because of the time

restrictions. However, measuring only the thickness, breaking load, and flexural strength still provided an

insight to the structural capacity of the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles, an extensive

study would validate the data gathered and strengthen the possibility of using the biocomposites tiles as

an alternative.

Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, the researchers would like to recommend improving the ratio of

the rice husk ash, eggshell powder and epoxy resin mixture in order to reach the optimum strength of the

biocomposite tiles. Taking the conclusions of the study, the breaking load and flexural strength could be

further improved if the rice husk ash content could be reduced to avoid saturating the matrix. Also, adding

more epoxy resin could be a potential solution on the matter. Therefore, the future researchers should try

using different concentrations in order to know the best mixture when making the rice husk ash and

eggshell powder biocomposite tiles. When it comes to thickness, the researchers recommend to get a

uniformed mold or a professional mold in order to get the consistent thickness of the commercially used

tiles. The researchers also recommend studying other physical properties to gain more insight to the

structural capacity of the tiles. Take in consideration the required characteristics of the tiles from the

Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS). With this study further

improved, the rice husk ash and eggshell powder biocomposite tiles could be commercially manufactured

in the market as eco-friendly tiles that can potentially be used as alternatives for the commercially used

tiles. These could be used in households, buildings, public spaces, and other walkways, lessening the

environmental impact of the adverse effects of the production of commercially used tiles.

17
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