The Future and Prospects of Periwinkle Composites in Reinforced Concretes: A Review

The choice of building materials and the rising cost of construction materials have continued to plaque the building and construction industry without an immediate solution. Industrialists and scholars are investigating several naturally occurring materials for concrete composite reinforcements. The article chronologically reviewed the growth and development of periwinkle shell powder (PSP) and periwinkle ash powder (PSA) as composite materials in concretes. Findings showed that 28 days of curing age are required for lightweight concretes reinforced with PSP or PAP at 10-30% optimum. Produced lightweight concretes were susceptible to acidic medium and induce lower compressive strength which eventually leads to concrete/structure disintegrate and collapse. Research challenges and funding hamper the application of PSP/PAP in the concrete formulation and are unable to drive innovations and economic benefits as a composite. Advances in concrete technology showed that PSP/PSA mollusk shells achieve pillar strength grade and weight/load bearing status for the improvement of PSP/PSA blended concretes. Also, the composite potential showed that the functionalization of PSP/PSA, sustainability, and nano modification of cementitious materials and concretes are promising. Future studies are required to develop periwinkle reinforced concrete silos, sewers, and smart concrete materials with improved mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties.