Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Clay Ceramics Artificial Coral Reefs Using Rice Husk, Corn Kernels, and Eggshell Additives

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Clay Ceramics Artificial Coral Reefs Using Rice Husk, Corn Kernels, and Eggshell Additives

Angela May D. FLORES, Arnaldo D. VALINO, Eisley John S. TIONGSON, Rugi Vicente RUBI

Abstract. This study aimed to improve the mechanical properties and environmental alignment of 3D-printed clay ceramics by using agricultural additives such as rice husk ash, cornstarch, and powdered eggshells. Each additive served a specific function to improve the structural integrity of the artificial coral reefs. Multiple combinations of the said materials were tested through 3D printing, compression test, and saltwater test, with the best-performing mix identified as 85% clay, 5% rice husk ash, 5% cornstarch, and 5% powdered eggshells. This ratio showed a significant improvement in the durability to seawater by the resistance to mass loss and water penetration. The study recommended further testing, trying other waste materials, and more time for underwater testing to assess long-term performance. The results support the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, preserving life under the ocean, seas, and marine.

Keywords
Mechanical Properties, 3D-Printed, Clay Ceramics, Artificial Coral Reefs, Sustainable

Published online 5/10/2026, 15 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: Angela May D. FLORES, Arnaldo D. VALINO, Eisley John S. TIONGSON, Rugi Vicente RUBI, Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Clay Ceramics Artificial Coral Reefs Using Rice Husk, Corn Kernels, and Eggshell Additives, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 66, pp 262-276, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904152-24

The article was published as article 24 of the book Advanced Materials and Sustainable Energy Technologies

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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