Abstract
This study clearly introduces the basic characteristics of a new material composed of post-consumer PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and scallop shells as its raw materials. The influence of heat on the scallop shells and the organic substances contained in them was investigated. Comparisons were made regarding the degree of yellowing and the strength of the materials made from post-consumer PET bottles, scallop shells and also calcium carbonate. It was found that the degree of yellowing caused by thermolysis of the organic substances contained in the scallop shells is greater than that of the calcium carbonate. Moreover, no trace of foaming attributed to thermolysis gas of the organic substance was confirmed for those materials made from post-consumer PET bottles and scallop shells. The properties of these materials indicate that the composite of the scallop shell has a higher degree of yellowness and strength than that of calcium carbonate. These results show that the composite from post-consumer PET bottles and scallop shells could possibly be utilized.
