Abstract

The study aims to determine the feasibility of using mollusc shell-based adhesive as a
substitute for mortar.
The mollusk shell-based adhesive was made from combining powdered mollusc shells
and tackifier in an elastomer and toluene mixture. Different adhesives were made using variated
concentration of two tackifiers (sodium silicate and polyvinyl acetate) and two elastomers
(neoprene WHV and neoprene AG). Randomly chosen samples from each combination were
tested for shear strength at the Standards and Testing Divisiong of Department of Science and
Technology (STD, ITDI, DOST Bicutan)
The best combination was the polyvinyl acetate and neopere WHV. The combination
was the highest shear strength. Thus, two replicates of each of four treatments the underwent
testing for shear strength and water absorption.
Statistical test of T-test for independent samples and Anova were conducted for both
water absorption and shear strength. The T-test for independent samples was done to test for any
significant difference between the four treatment means.
The result showed no significant difference between the control mean and treatment
means, and between the treatment means. Thus, a mollusk shell-based adhesive can be a
substitute for commercial mortar.