THE DEVELOPMENT OF CRUSHED MUSSEL SHELL JEWELRY CLAY AT BAN NAM CHIEW TOURISM COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE IN TRAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the proper formula for producing jewelry clay from crushed mussel shells, examine the physical and mechanical properties of the surface hardness of clay from crushed mussel shells, and transfer the knowledge to the Tourism Community Enterprise Group in Ban Nam Chiew of Trat Province. The researchers applied the methodology as consisting of factors, which were the amount of crushed mussel shells as substitution for glutinous rice flour, translated as 7 levels for the clay formula: 0 gram, 50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, and 100 grams. After that, analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the surface hardness were performed. The findings showed that the best formula for jewelry clay was crushed mussel shells, which were bleached with 50% hydrogen peroxide and combined with glutinous flour, preservative, baby oil, and latex glue. As for the physical and mechanical properties, results indicated that the number of crushed shells affected the clay's color as it turned to a darker brown tone with a pearlier look and the surface was less smooth. When added more crushed shells at 80 grams, the clay expanded less for stretching and compression with harder surface. Finally, the results of the knowledge transfer to the Tourism Community Enterprise Group in Ban Nam Chiew of Trat Province showed that the community members chose 70 grams of crushed shell as their choice of formula because the clay's color was slightly brown giving smooth surface was smooth and a pearlier look. Although the surface slightly expanded, there was no obvious dent found. The percentage of average hardness of the clay was 10.14 and the average contraction was 21.69, which was suitable for making jewelry clay to offer for sale as revenue and help reduce mussel shells wasted in the community.