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Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) Organic House Paint

Research Plan

Gian Elijah S. Pineda

Xian Daniel S. Dela Mines

Julz Denzel M. Delos Santos

Proponents

Mr. Jayson B. Eugelio

Research II Teacher
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Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to indoor

air pollution and pose health risks such as respiratory issues and organ damage. Zero-VOC paints

offer a safer alternative but often lack durability and performance. Scallop shells, rich in calcium

carbonate, and safflower oil, a sustainable drying agent, present an opportunity to enhance zero-

VOC paint properties while addressing waste management (e.g., repurposing shellfish waste).

This research aligns with global sustainability goals by reducing reliance on synthetic additives

and promoting circular economy practices.

This study proposes a natural alternative: producing a low-VOC home paint from leftover

scallop shells and safflower oil. Scallop shells contain calcium carbonate, which is widely

utilized in the paint industry as a pigment extender and filler. Safflower oil is a drying oil with a

light tone, making it ideal for pale or neutral paintings. Both materials are biodegradable,

renewable, and widely distributed. The study investigates if these natural compounds can

enhance paint quality while minimizing the requirement for synthetic additives. It also tries to

establish how the paint works when applied to materials such as wood and concrete.

Research Question/Problem

How do varying ratios of scallop shell powder and safflower oil affect the performance

characteristics (adhesion, gloss, durability, etc.) of zero-VOC paint compared to conventional

formulations?

Goals

Develop a high-performance, eco-friendly zero-VOC paint.

Validate the efficacy of scallop shell powder and safflower oil as sustainable additives.
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Expected Outcomes

A paint formulation with competitive adhesion, gloss, and durability metrics.

Data supporting the environmental and economic benefits of using bio-based additives.

Hypotheses

There is no significant effect of adding eggshell and safflower oil on the paint’s quality and

performance.

Procedures

Scallop shells will be properly washed with distilled water to remove any surface debris

before being dried in an oven at 100°C for 24 hours to ensure complete dryness. After drying, the

scallop shells will be finely crushed using a mortar and pestle to achieve a consistent particle

size. Approximately 6 to 7 small-sized scallop shells will be pulverized, yielding around 130

grams of shell powder to be used in the production of paint. After crushing the scallop shell

powder it will be carefully calcined in a muffle furnace at 800°C for 2 hours to begin the

breakdown of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide. After that paint will be produced, 130mL of

distilled water will be boiled on a low heat for 15 minutes. After achieving a steady temperature,

the ground scallop shell powder will be gradually added and constantly stirred for 15 minutes.

Safflower oil, chosen for its natural, non-toxic characteristics and emulsion stability, will be
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added and blended for an additional 15 minutes. Following that, colors and ferrous sulfate (for

increased coverage and protection) will be added and mixed for a further 15 minutes to achieve

even dispersion. Finally, a 1 tablespoon of non-toxic dish soap will be added and stirred for 15

minutes to function as a natural surfactant and improve emulsification and consistency. Each

component is added sequentially and well blended to ensure consistency in the finished zero-

VOC paint. To evaluate the performance of the paint samples, several standard quality tests will

be conducted. The adhesion test will assess how well the paint adheres to different surfaces,

ensuring that it does not peel or detach over time. The density test will determine the paint’s

mass per unit volume, which helps understand how thick or light the mixture is, affecting its

application and coverage. The drying or curing time will be measured by observing how long it

takes for the paint to fully set and harden, which is important for practical use and durability.

The fineness of grind test will examine the size of solid particles in the paint, with

smoother particles resulting in a more uniform and high-quality finish. The flexibility test will

evaluate the paint's ability to withstand bending or movement without cracking, which is

especially important for materials like wood that may expand or contract. Gloss measurement

will be used to assess how reflective or shiny the dried paint appears, as gloss level affects both

aesthetic appeal and surface cleanability.

The hardness test will measure the resistance of the dried paint to scratches or physical

pressure, indicating how well the paint will protect the surface beneath it. The presence of iron

oxide, often used in primers, will be tested to ensure that the paint can provide added protection

against rust, particularly on metal surfaces. The pigment and vehicle content test will evaluate

the balance between the color-providing particles and the liquid binder, which is essential for

consistent color and even application.

Additionally, the total solids test will be conducted both by weight and volume to measure

how much of the paint remains as solid material after drying. Higher solid content often leads to

better coverage and longer-lasting coatings. Finally, the viscosity test, measured in Krebs Units,

will indicate how thick or fluid the paint is, which affects how easily it can be applied and how it

behaves during use. All of these tests will help determine the effectiveness and practicality of the

paint made with eggshell powder and safflower oil.

Risk and Safety

Although this research uses mostly natural and food-grade materials like eggshells and

safflower oil, some potential risks must still be considered. One of the materials, ferrous sulfate,

can cause irritation if it encounters the skin, eyes, or is inhaled in powdered form. To reduce this

risk, it will be handled with care and stored in a sealed container before and after use. During the

experiment, all researchers will wear protective gloves, lab coats, and face masks to prevent

exposure to fine particles and chemicals. The preparation of the paint will be done in a well-

ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes, especially during the boiling and mixing stages.

Basic first aid supplies will be kept nearby in case of accidents, and distilled water will be

available for immediate washing if skin or eye contact occurs. Used containers and materials will

be properly cleaned and disposed of following safe waste management practices. No materials

will be poured into drains or left in open areas. Additionally, all electrical appliances (such as

ovens or mixers) will be monitored during use to prevent overheating or fire hazards. The

research team will follow standard laboratory safety protocols throughout the experiment to

ensure a clean, safe, and controlled working environment.

The data analysis for this study will examine how scallop shell powder and safflower oil

affect the quality of zero-VOC paint. The research team will record measurements from different

tests, including adhesion, gloss, drying time, and hardness. These results will be organized in

tables to compare the experimental paints with regular store-bought zero-VOC paint. Simple

calculations like averages and ranges will show the main trends in the data.

Statistical tests will check if the differences between paint samples are meaningful. For

example, the team will see if paints with more scallop shell powder perform better than those

with less. They will also look for connections between ingredients and paint qualities, such as

whether safflower oil makes the paint more flexible. Graphs will help display these patterns

clearly.

The analysis will focus on practical questions: Does the new paint stick to surfaces as well

as commercial paint? Does it dry in a reasonable time? Is the finish smooth and durable? The

results will show whether using scallop shells and safflower oil makes better paint while keeping

it environmentally friendly. The team will note any limitations, like the small size of the

experiment, and suggest areas for future testing. This straightforward approach will help

determine if these natural ingredients could be useful for making paint.

Biblography
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Kim, D. J., Lee, S. H., & Park, J. M. (2023). Sustainable reuse of mollusk shells: A review of

applications and challenges. Journal of Environmental Management, 329, 117019.

[Link]

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2024). Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on

Indoor Air Quality. [Link]

impact-indoor-air-quality

Lin, Y. H., Huang, C. C., & Chen, C. C. (2021). Characterization and potential utilization of

scallop shells as a source of calcium carbonate. Materials Science Forum, 1035, 114–119.

[Link]

HunterLab. (2023). Contrast Ratio: Determining the Opacity of Paints and Coatings Using

Spectrophotometers. [Link]

opacity-of-paints-and-coatings-using-spectrophotometers/

Higgins (2024) The environmental and health benefits of low VOC paints.

[Link]

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M5DCwy_uEuhtbqIdFQWaSpqy0
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