Paper Title
Influence of Bio-Shells Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Aluminium Alloy

Abstract
Bio-wastes materials generation is on the increase and technology has made it possible for use as additives to other materials in order to improve mechanical properties of such materials. Snail and sea shells, regarded asbio-remnants, obtained from eateries and beaches normally constitute environmental nuisance when the shells are discarded after the consumption of the flesh. These bio-shell wastes were used as reinforcement materials in aluminium metal matrix composites (MMCs). The mineralogical compositions and other physical properties of the shells were carried out using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDS) and X-ray fluorescent (XRF). The density and mechanical properties of the specimens as determined at varying % wt addition of the bio-shells’ powder to aluminium showed a significant improvement in properties. There was increase in hardness and tensile strengths with a recorded decrease in density when the shells’ powder was addedto aluminium alloy. Keywords - Bio-shell, mmc, reinforcements, sea shell, snail shell.