Division of City Schools

Division of Pasay
Pasay City West High School
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

PULVERIZED MUSSEL SHELLS AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCE

OF CaCO3 IN CHALK MAKING

SUBMITTED BY:
MA. CHARLENE STEPHANIE R. HILVANO
AGNES C. BANTACULO
CHARLOTTE G. RIBON
JOHN RIEL B. GONZALES
MATT AL-GASIM E. ALON

MS. LIEZEL G. CLEMENTE

RESEARCH ADVISER

MARCH 2017
Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

INTRODUCTION:

Philippines today is facing major problems, the proper waste disposal.In smaller

scales like communities, despite of requisition on waste management. Still suffer great

increase in waste disposal due to law-breakers and rapid population growth. Also, almost

all places in the Philippines are prone to land pollution. So with that, the researchers have

found out that mussel shell is composed of 95% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) which is the

main component in chalk making. And the purpose of this study is to make a mid-class

chalk that is cheaper but the quality can be higher than the ordinary chalk. According to

the British Carbonates Federation (2017), Calcium Carbonate has been used from as early

40,000 B.C. to present day. In addition, the history of calcium carbonate illustrates how

we have been able to utilize the unique properties of this mineral in applcication ranging

from pre-historic cave paintings to modern paper and plastic manufacturing chalk.

Furthermore, mussel shells are composed of highly amount of Calcium Carbonate

(CaCO3) that functions as durability enhancer in a certain products (Kocaman et. al,

2016) This study that function as durability enhancer in certain products ( Kocaman

et.al, 2016) This study aims to help the environment in such a way that the waste material

will turn into useful material.

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM:

This research study aims to investigate if mussel shells can be an effective source of

CaCO3 in chalk making?

1. Is there any significant difference in the durability of commercialized chalk from

the chalk that contains CaCO3 source out from pulverized mussel shells in terms

of the percentage composition?

a.) 10% of CaCO3

b.) 20% of CaCO3

c.) 30% of CaCO3

d.) 70% of CaCO3

e.) 80% of CaCO3

2. How effective is the used of pulverize mussel shells as durability enhancer in

chalk making?

HYPOTHESIS
HO:
As a result of using pulverized mussel shell in chalk making, there is no

significant difference in the strength and durability of chalk in terms of percentage

composition.

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Water

Pulverized Mussel
Shells (CaCO3)

Plaster of Paris

Figure 1.The Diagram of Conceptual Framework

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY:

The purpose of this study is to investigate if pulverized mussel shells can be an

effective source of CaCO3as durability enhancer in chalk making. Also, the benefits of

this study are to lessen land pollution and accidents in some mining sites. The researchers

know that the limestone is the primary source of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) but mining

for it may cause harmful effects to the human beings and the environment. Mussel shells

which are thrown by people are mostly composed of Calcium Carbonate. So our basis is

that to make the waste material specifically the mussel shells into useful one. The

beneficiaries of this study are the teachers and students as they spend almost half of their

lives in school. And also, it can serve as livelihood for the farmers of mussel shells.

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study focused on producing chalk made from the pulverized mussel shells

which will be used to replace the Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) in limestone. The

researcher gathered pulverized mussel shells as alternative source of CaCO3 in chalk

making and with that to increase the durability and quality of chalk product.

However, the researchers limited these studies to the use of CaCO3 sourced out

from the mussel shells and try to investigate if increasing the amount of pulverized

mussel shells will be more effective as durability enhancer in chalk making.

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents the literature of the study which served as the framework

thereof. Further it narrates some related studies that can support the present study.

I. Mussel Shells

A. Characteristics and Composition

Mussel shells are products that usually thrown by people. This shell contains of

purely 95% Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) (Kocaman, S. et.al, 2016). And with this,

CaCO3 is basically used as one of the components in chalk making. Furthermore, shell is

inequilateral and roughly triangular in culture, however, shell shape varies considerably

with environmental conditions. Green shells that have greatly contributed to the tons of

solid wastes generated in the region.And proved to be useful when utilized in the

production of Calcium Carbonate.

According to Kocaman et.al, (2016), pulverized mussel shells are used as a

replacement in any industrial application or products. And based on their study, mussel

shells act as alternative or a partial replacement for CaC03 in concrete making. Likewise,

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

the compressive strength of mixture using 4% ground seashell increased the level of

compressive strength of all samples at 7,28 and J 91 days for both type of concrete(

Olivia, M., Mitsehellz, A. & Damayanti, L. 2015).

And now you have heard that a mussel shell contains Calcium Carbonate, so let’s

find out its mystery.

II. Calcium Carbonate

A. Characteristics

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound (CaCO3) used as one of the

component for making a chalk. It is formed by three main elements: Carbon,

oxygen and calcium. According to Gale Research Inc. (2016), Calcium Carbonate

is the main component of chalk. In addition, Calcium Carbonate has been used

from as early 40,000 BC to present day (British Carbonates Federation, 2017)

Moreover, the history of calcium carbonate illustrates how we have been able to

utilize the unique properties of the mineral in application ranging from pre-

historic cave paintings to modern paper and plastic manufacturing chalk.

Also, calcium carbonate or (CaCO3) Comprises more than 4% of the

Earth’s crust and is fount throughout the world. Chalk is form of calcium

carbonate, having the same chemical composition as ground calcium carbonate,

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

limestone. Marble and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) all of the calcium

carbonates mention have the same crystal form calcite (Hubbe, M. n.d.)

As a summary, Calcium Carbonate can be found in limestone, marble and

other skeletal shells. It can be used for building purposes like making bricks, road

and cement.

III. Plaster of Paris

A. Characteristics and Uses

Plaster of Paris (PoP) also known as calcium sulphate main features of dust

particles, uneven and irregular shape, varied shape size, porous and usually white,

these are utilized by the artist in machine decorative interior objects, design and

manufacturing of dried art media such as chalk , pastels and crayons (Worrall,

1996). The relevance of Plaster of Paris to teaching and learning are numerous,

researchers confirmed its usefulness as a very good modelling medium for

learners especially beginners to mould learning and instructional objects in

different ways. It also useful in production of different forms of contours, lines

and shapes that serves as designs and effects on casted and modelled objects of

instructional materials (Witana, Xiong, Zhao & Goonetilleke, 2006).

It is used in medicine, arts, and construction industry and the problems

associated with Plaster of Paris includes increased the time to set, water

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

permeability and strength or hardness .POP is used to produce moulds for lost

tooth. POP is been used in fire protection on walls and ceiling of buildings and

factories and also in making black board chalks and statues (Agbasi, et al, 2014).

IV. Chalk

A. Characteristics and Durability

Chalk is used in school and other learning establishments to write on the board. The

demand for chalk is high and this has made its production a goldmine. Common

blackboard chalk, which was traditionally made from natural chalk, today is made from

gypsum. Blackboard chalk is made into sticks and used to draw on blackboards and other

rough surfaces (Bushu, 2014).

It Tensile tests are fundamental for understanding properties of different

materials, and how they will behave underload (Favillla, 2010). Also According

to Alam, et.al, the static and dynamic effective stress of chalk are deformation of

hydrocarbon reservoir that can be an ideally use in order to estimate the effective

stress that is acting on it. The effective stress in the subsurface is the difference

between the stress due to the weight of the sediment and fraction on the pore

pressure. Calcium carbonate or CaCO3 is very much and important material in

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

chalk making. A high content of calcium carbonate can be found in mussel shells

and oyster shells (Hamester, et.al, 2012).

METHODOLOGY
This discusses the materials and procedures in chalk making.

Prepare the
materials needed
Pulverize the Measure each
in chalk making:
mussel shells using components
mussel shell,
mortar and pestle CaCO3, plaster of
water, plaster of
and blender paris and water
paris
and mix it

Put the mixed

Testing the Drying process materials
durability by drop using natural (10%,20%,30%,60
test method or the use %,70%&80%) in
10
of sunlight the molder
Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Figure 2.Research Methodology

Materials and Methods

I. Collection of Mussel Shells Samples

The mussel shells were collected from Brgy. Sineguelasan, Bacoor

City,Cavite.

II. Preparation of the Components of Chalk

Four kilograms of mussel shells were collected from Brgy. Sineguelasan,

Bacoor, Cavite. The mussel shells were washed and air-dried. The mussel

shells samples were then pulverized using mortar and pestle and blender.

Three kilograms of Plaster of Paris were brought from Malibay Pasay City

and 350 ml of water were prepared.

III. Preparation of Treatments

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 Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

The researchers measure each components; pulverized mussel shells, plaster

of paris and water for the following ratio below:

SETUP SETUP SETUP SETUP SETUP

A: B: C: D: E
10% 20% 30% 70% 80%
CaCO3 CaCO3 CaCO3 CaCO3 CaCO3

Calcium 10g 20g 30g 70g 80g

Carbonate
(CaCO3)

Plaster of 120g 110g 100g 60g 50g

Paris

Water 70mL 70mL 70mL 70mL 70mL

Table 1.Ratio of Chalk Components

IV. Chalk Making Process

The following procedure will be followed and performed by the researchers.

First, pulverize the mussel shells into a fine powder using mortar and pestle

and blender. Next, measure each component following the given ratio.

Thirdly, place the plaster of paris (POP) in a bowl and so with the other

mixtures such as pulverized mussel shells and water for Set up A (10%).

Then, mix it thoroughly and evenly. After the mixture process, start molding

by filling the chalk molder then tamp it for finishing touches of the product.

And lastly, place each specimen to a surface-dry condition and curring/drying

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 Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

process may follows. Repeat the process for the ratio of each component for

the set-up B (20%) up to set up E (80%).

V. Data Analysis

Comparisons between groups were made by mean of Two-Way ANOVA with

replication with the aid of Microsoft Excel 2007 with 0.05 confidence level.

VI. Waste Disposal

Chalk molders (straw) used was disposed in appropriate inorganic waste

container.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This presents the data gathered by the researchers in the experiment, which includes the

percentage or ratio of CaCO3, plaster of paris and water from the different trials executed.

A, Drop test Results

SAMPLEID HEIGHT

0% 10% 20% 30% 70% 80%

TRIAL 1 0.005kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg 0.004 kg 0.005 kg

TRIAL 2 1ft 0.004 kg 0.005 kg 0.003 kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg

TRIAL 3 0.003 kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg 0.005 kg 0.004 kg 0.004 kg

Ave. 0.004 kg 0.005 kg 0.004 kg 0.005 kg 0.004 kg 0.005 kg

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 Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

TRIAL 1 0.001kg 0.004kg 0.004kg 0.005kg 0.005kg 0.003kg

TRIAL 2 3ft 0.003kg 0.004kg 0.003kg 0.005kg 0.005kg 0.003kg

TRIAL 3 0.001kg 0.002kg 0.002kg 0.004kg 0.004kg 0.003kg

Ave. 0.002kg 0.003kg 0.003kg 0.005kg 0.005kg 0.003kg

TRIAL 1 0.001kg 0.004kg 0.005kg 0.002kg 0.005kg 0.004kg

TRIAL 2 5ft 0.003kg 0.004kg 0.005kg 0.002kg 0.003kg 0.004kg

TRIAL 3 0.003kg 0.004kg 0.004kg 0.002kg 0.004kg 0.002kg

Ave. 0.002kg 0.004kg 0.005kg 0.002kg 0.004kg 0.003kg

Table 2.Durability of Chalk Results

This part of the study shows the results of the experimentation in tabular form. And

prior to the table, the calculated mean results for each percentage of pulverized mussel

shells are the same and greater than the maximum strength of the commercialized chalk

which is 0.004, 1ft; 0.003kg, 3ft; 0.002kg, 5ft. As the amount of pulverized mussel shells

increases, the durability of chalk for each percentage composition is the same and greater

than the commercialized chalk.

Anova: Two-Factor With Replication

SUMMARY 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.7 0.8

1FT
Count 3 3 3 3 3 3
Sum 0.012 0.015 0.013 0.015 0.013 0.014

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Average 0.004 0.005 0.004333 0.005 0.004333 0.004667

Variance 0.000001 0 1.33E-06 0 3.33E-07 3.33E-07

3FT
Count 3 3 3 3 3 3
Sum 0.005 0.012 0.009 0.014 0.014 0.009
Average 0.001667 0.004 0.003 0.004667 0.004667 0.003
Variance 1.33E-06 0 0.000001 3.33E-07 3.33E-07 2.82E-37

5FT
Count 3 3 3 3 3 3
Sum 0.007 0.012 0.014 0.006 0.012 0.01
Average 0.002333 0.004 0.004667 0.002 0.004 0.003333
Variance 1.33E-06 0 3.33E-07 0 0.000001 1.33E-06

Total
Count 9 9 9 9 9 9
Sum 0.024 0.039 0.036 0.035 0.039 0.033
Average 0.002667 0.004333 0.004 0.003889 0.004333 0.003667
Variance 0.000002 2.5E-07 1.25E-06 2.11E-06 5E-07 0.000001

ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
Sample 1.49E-05 2 7.46E-06 13.43333 4.38E-05 3.259446
Columns 1.73E-05 5 3.45E-06 6.213333 0.0003 2.477169
Interaction 2.2E-05 10 2.2E-06 3.953333 0.001079 2.106054
Within 0.00002 36 5.56E-07

Total 7.41E-05 53

Table 3.ANOVA-Two-Factor with Replication

The F value of the Treatments is 13.433. The F Critical is 3.259. Since the

F=13.433>3.259 (F value > F critical), the results are significant at 0.05 significance

level. The researchers accepted the null hypothesis, concluding that there is no significant

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

difference in the durability of commercialized chalk from the chalk source out from

pulverized mussel shells in terms of percentage composition.

B. The researchers find out the chalk made from pulverized mussel shells are

effective in terms of calculated mean of the durability of chalk for every

percentage composition.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the findings of the research, the following conclusions are drawn:

1. The researchers concluded that the calculated mean results for each percentage of

pulverized mussel shells are the same and greater than the maximum strength of

the commercialized chalk.

2. And this coincides in the idea that pulverized mussel shells when mixed with

plaster of paris and water and subjected to drying process will give greater

amount of strength in terms of durability of chalk by drop test.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the following recommendations

are suggested:

1. The researchers recommend the use of appropriate pulverizing machine in order

to pulverize the mussel shells into fine powder.

2. The researchers suggest the use of appropriate chalk molder for the easiest and

most convenient molding of chalk product.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Adewuki, A.P, Franklin S. O, and Ibrahim, K.A. (2015).Utilization of Mollusc

shells for Concrete Production for Sustainable Environment. International Journal

of Scientific and Engineering Research, 6(9).Retrieved from http:// www.jjset.org

Agbasi, P.U., et al. (2014). Effect of Various Additives ( Lime Water and Saline)

On the Physical Properties of Plaster of Paris in Orthopedic Practice.World

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Department of Prosthetics and

Orthotics Federal University Technology Owerri Nigeria,3(11) pp. 1268-1274.

Retrieved from http:// www.wjpps.com

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Alam, M.M., Fabricius, I.L, Christensen, H.F. (2012). Static and Dynamic Effective

Stress Coefficient of Chalk .Geophysics, 77(2), LI-LII. Retrieved from:

http://orbit.dtv.dk/files/8064219/C796dol.pck

Bushu, G., (2014). Optimization of Gypsum Processing Parameters for the

Production of Improved Quality Chalk.etd.adu. Retrieved from http://

www.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/6108/1/Gemeshn Bushu.pdf

Favilla, S.,(2010). Tensile Testing Laboratory.Retrieved from: http://

stephenfavilla.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/tensile-testing-laboratory.pdf.

Gale Research Inc. (2016). CHALK. How Products are Made. Retrieved from

http:// www.encyclopedia.com/earth-and-environment/geology-and-

oceanography/geology-and-oceanography/chalk

Hamester, M.R., Balzer, P.S., and Bocker, D. (2012). Characterization of Calcium

Carbonate Obtained From Oyster and Mussel Shells and Incorporation in

Polypropylene. Materails Research, 15(2), 2014-208. doi: io.1590/s1516-

14392012005000014

Hubbe, M. Chalk. Mini. Encyclopedia of Papermaking Wer-end Chemistry

Additives and Ingridients, their Composition, Functions, Strategies for Use.

Retrieved from http://www4.ncsu/edu/uhubbe/CHLK.htm

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

Odenumi, M.O., et al. (2016) College of Education Fine Arts Student’s Perception

on Plaster of Paris Feasibility in Modelling Objects. International Journal of the

Guild of Contemporary Academic Researcher, 2(1) pp.164-169. Retrieved from

from http://www.guildofcontemporaryacademicresearchers.org

Olivia, M., Mifshella, A. and Darmayanti, L. (2015).Mechanical Properties of Sea

Shells Concrete. Procedia Engineering, 760-764. Retrieved from

http://www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ma.Charlene Stephanie R. Hilvano, Agnes C. Bantaculo, Charlotte G. Ribon, John

Riel B. Gonzales, Matt Al-gasim E. Alon dedicate this Research paper to their parents,

friends and teachers that have always supported them and gave them the best ideas and

invaluable advices that made their research paper fulfilled.

As they go along with the process, they would like to acknowledge Mr. Anthony

Miles Garcia and Mrs. Marife M. Magdato who imparted knowledge, constructive

suggestions and analyzed their research study. And with this, it played an important role

in the development of this research. Also, special thanks and appreciation for Mrs. Grace

B. Torres and Research subject teacher, Ms. Liezel B. Clemente who express their

enormous respect and gratitude for the efforts of the students and who gave given

countless hours of their time and expertise the progress of this research.

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Hilvano, M.C.S.,Bantaculo, A.C.,Ribon, C.G.,Gonzales, J.R.B.,Alon, M.A.G.E.(2017).
Pulverized Mussel Shells As Alternative Source of CaC03 In Chalk Making. Unpublished
Research, Pasay City West High School, Manila Philippines

CACJM

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