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De eerste hernieuwbare grondstof - een houtvezel-compost mengsel - die in het project Circulaire Groeimedia getest is, is inmiddels op de markt. Biochar en een hernieuwbare grondstof op basis van miscanthus zijn ‘klaar’ om te gebruiken als component in potgrondmengsels. In het project wordt bovendien gewerkt aan een rekentool, zodat potgrondproducenten weten waar ze rekening mee moeten houden bij het mengen met de hernieuwbare grondstoffen.

The global production of coconut, mainly for food and oil production, exceeds 62 million tonnes per annum. Large quantities of coconut husk remain unutilized after industrial processing, giving rise to environmental problems. This fails to exploit the potential presented by the extraction of coir, which could have numerous applications. Traditional products such as textiles, mats, and brushes made from coir are increasingly being joined by new, high-value, non-traditional uses. This review article summarizes new fields of application for coir as reinforcing fibers in binderless fiberboards, natural fiber composites, construction materials, solid biofuels, and an absorbent for heavy metals and toxic materials. The use of coir in these new fields will reduce waste and increase sustainability.

The global production of coconut, mainly for food and oil production, exceeds 62 million tonnes per annum. Large quantities of coconut husk remain unutilized after industrial processing, giving rise to environmental problems. This fails to exploit the potential presented by the extraction of coir, which could have numerous applications. Traditional products such as textiles, mats, and brushes made from coir are increasingly being joined by new, high-value, non-traditional uses. This review article summarizes new fields of application for coir as reinforcing fibers in binderless fiberboards, natural fiber composites, construction materials, solid biofuels, and an absorbent for heavy metals and toxic materials. The use of coir in these new fields will reduce waste and increase sustainability.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

Seagrasses represent an essential part of the coastal environment and are hence the target of many coastal restoration projects. Artificial seagrass (ASG) mats may facilitate seagrass growth, making them a captivating option for restoration projects. However, little is known about the forces occurring on mats deployed in marine environments and especially on how these forces are transmitted to the anchoring points. Here, we present a study of prototype biodegradable coconut-mesh mats as base layer for ASG meadows and investigate the forces that occur at the anchors. We test the performance of three mesh types under wave forcing using two different anchor configurations without ASG and subsequently test ASG mats of one mesh type under wave forcing and a 4-anchor configuration to assess the effect of the ASG on anchor loading as a function of incident orbital velocities. We found that the mat composition plays a more important role than the number of anchors in anchor load reduction. The anchor forces were 2–4 times higher at front anchors compared to rear anchors, relative to wave propagation direction, and were also considerably higher in that direction compared to the opposite direction. With ASG, the forces increased compared to the highest measured forces without ASG. The forces on the anchors were almost fully dominated by the drag on the ASG based on material properties, ASG reconfiguration and flow conditions. We derive a relation between horizontal orbital velocities and expected forcing on the anchor based on ASG properties and the corresponding area of each anchor and discuss relevant criteria for the design of ASG mats. This should help to assess the loading on anchors deployed for restoration under specific site conditions and chosen materials. Copyright © 2022 Villanueva, Paul and Schlurmann.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

A composite material is created when two materials are mixed that have different physical and chemical properties. A substance that is specifically created to perform a particular duty, such as becoming stronger, lighter, or electrically resistant, is created when they are joined. They can also improve stiffness and strength. They are chosen over traditional materials because they improve the properties of the underlying material and can be applied in a number of settings. Generally, the coir was used in various application, some of the substances are get wasted. Collecting the waste substance are treated and get into recycled. The recycled coir fibre was taken into the composite material. Polyester resin was used as an adhesive material, it has adequate resistance to water. The final outcome was taken to several test parameters according to the standards.

Water hyacinth and prosopis juliflora have proved successful within the remedy of textile wastewater. textile wastewater generally contains harmful heavy metals along with iron and chromium and many others., this looks at consists of the elimination of harmful metals, chemical oxygen call for (cod), biochemical oxygen demand (dot), overall suspended solids (TSS) and general dissolved solids (TDS), p H and other parameters. the goal of this has a look at is to decide the discount of a physico-chemical parameter using water hyacinth, which indicates a considerable reduction of all pollutants over the years. water hyacinth can hence be a powerful organic agent in decreasing fabric enterprise wastewater pollutants.

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

[EN] This study focuses on the potential uses in textiles of fibers of soy protein (SP) and chitin, which are naturally occurring polymers that can be obtained from agricultural and food processing by-products and wastes. The as-received natural fibers were first subjected to a three-step manufacturing process to develop yarns that were, thereafter, converted into fabrics by weft knitting. Different characterizations in terms of physical properties and comfort parameters were carried out on the natural fibers and compared to waste derived fibers of coir and also conventional cotton and cotton-based fibers, which are widely used in the textile industry. The evaluation of the geometry and mechanical properties revealed that both SP and chitin fibers showed similar fineness and tenacity values than cotton, whereas coir did not achieve the expected properties to develop fabrics. In relation to the moisture content, it was found that the SP fibers outperformed the other natural fibers, which could successfully avoid variations in the mechanical performance of their fabrics as well as impair the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the natural fibers was assessed against different bacteria and fungi that are typically found on the skin. The obtained results indicated that the fibers of chitin and also SP, being the latter functionalized with biocides during the fiber-formation process, showed a high antimicrobial activity. In particular, reductions of up to 100% and 60% were attained for the bacteria and fungi strains, respectively. Finally, textile comfort was evaluated on the weft-knitted fabrics of the chitin and SP fibers by means of thermal and tactile tests. The comfort analysis indicated that the thermal resistance of both fabrics was similar to that of cotton, whereas their air permeability was higher, particularly for chitin due to its higher fineness, which makes these natural fibers very promising for summer clothes. Both the SP

[EN] This study focuses on the potential uses in textiles of fibers of soy protein (SP) and chitin, which are naturally occurring polymers that can be obtained from agricultural and food processing by-products and wastes. The as-received natural fibers were first subjected to a three-step manufacturing process to develop yarns that were, thereafter, converted into fabrics by weft knitting. Different characterizations in terms of physical properties and comfort parameters were carried out on the natural fibers and compared to waste derived fibers of coir and also conventional cotton and cotton-based fibers, which are widely used in the textile industry. The evaluation of the geometry and mechanical properties revealed that both SP and chitin fibers showed similar fineness and tenacity values than cotton, whereas coir did not achieve the expected properties to develop fabrics. In relation to the moisture content, it was found that the SP fibers outperformed the other natural fibers, which could successfully avoid variations in the mechanical performance of their fabrics as well as impair the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the natural fibers was assessed against different bacteria and fungi that are typically found on the skin. The obtained results indicated that the fibers of chitin and also SP, being the latter functionalized with biocides during the fiber-formation process, showed a high antimicrobial activity. In particular, reductions of up to 100% and 60% were attained for the bacteria and fungi strains, respectively. Finally, textile comfort was evaluated on the weft-knitted fabrics of the chitin and SP fibers by means of thermal and tactile tests. The comfort analysis indicated that the thermal resistance of both fabrics was similar to that of cotton, whereas their air permeability was higher, particularly for chitin due to its higher fineness, which makes these natural fibers very promising for summer clothes. Both the SP

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

Problem statement: Noise control was one of the major requirements to improve the living environment. One of the methods to do that is provided by sound absorber. Commonly, multi-layer sound absorbers are applied to absorb broadband noise that was composed of perforated plates, air space and porous material. However, multi-layers sound absorbers effectiveness depends on their construction. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre as sound absorber. The effects of porous layer backing and perforated plate on sound absorption coefficient of sound absorber using coconut coir fiber and jute fibre were studied. Approach: This material is made by blending coir and jute with different proportional ratio. The samples were tested at the acoustic lab of the psgtechs coe indutech, neelambur, Coimbatore according to ASTM E 1050-98 international standards for noise absorption coefficient. Results: The experiment data indicates that 70%coir and 30 %jute can improve noise absorption coefficient at low and high frequencies with significant increasing. 50mm thick layer coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with porous layer backing exhibit peak value at frequencies between 5000Hz to 6300Hz with maximum value of 0.72. The experimental results also found that the coconut coir fiber and jute fiber with 50:50 ratio gives lower value for higher frequency between 5000Hz to 63000Hz with value of 0.50. Conclusion: Noise absorption coefficient of coconut coir blended with jute fiber was increased at all frequencies. The results from the experimental tests show that70:30 ratio of coir and jute it has good acoustic properties at low and high frequencies and can used to be an alternative replacement of synthetic based commercial product. By using the porous layer and perforated plate backing to coconut coir fiber, the sound absorber panel shows a good potential to be an environmentally friendly product. This innovative sound absorption panel h

In Colombia, coconut shell wastes represent an environmental burden equivalent to approximately 38,890 tons of waste per year. The use of materials made with the fiber of the shell is proposed, seeking to reduce the impact of the coconut industry. In this study, nonwovens were developed from coconut fibers by different methods to analyze their impact on breaking force and deformation. Thus, needle-punching and chemical bonding were evaluated regarding two different levels of percentage of adhesive and punching frequencies. Additionally, fiber diameter was measured, the fiber components were obtained, and the tensile tests allowed to acquire the mechanical strength of the fibers and nonwoven materials. Coconut fibers were found to have an average elastic modulus of 1.83 GPA, due to their large diameter (0.3 mm) and low cellulose content (46.5 %). Also, it was shown that the implemented bonding method had a great effect on the mechanical properties of the nonwovens, in which the maximum breaking strength value was 212.34 N by the chemical adhesion method. The widespread use of this kind of material could reduce the waste generated by the coir industry., En Colombia, los desechos de la cáscara de coco representan un pasivo medioambiental equivalente a 38.890 toneladas anuales. Una posible alternativa para reducir el impacto ambiental de la industria cocotera es usarlos en nuevas aplicaciones; en ese sentido, se proponen materiales hechos con la fibra de la corteza del coco. En este estudio se desarrollaron no tejidos a partir de fibras de coco por dos métodos diferentes: el punzonado a través de dos frecuencias de golpe y la adhesión química con dos porcentajes de adhesivo, con el fin de analizar su efecto en la resistencia mecánica y deformación de los materiales fabricados. Adicionalmente, se determinaron el diámetro de la fibra, los componentes químicos de la misma y la resistencia mecánica tanto de las fibras como de los materiales no tejidos. Se encontró que las fibras de coco presentan un módulo elástico promedio de 1,83 GPA, resultante de su gran diámetro (0,3 mm) y su bajo contenido de celulosa (46,5 %). Por otro lado, se evidenció que el método de unión utilizado influye en las propiedades mecánicas de los no tejidos, en los cuales el valor máximo de fuerza de rotura fue de 212,34 N por el método de adhesión química. Así, se espera que mediante el uso de estos materiales se reduzca considerablemente la cantidad de desechos de la industria cocotera.

In Colombia, coconut shell wastes represent an environmental burden equivalent to approximately 38,890 tons of waste per year. The use of materials made with the fiber of the shell is proposed, seeking to reduce the impact of the coconut industry. In this study, nonwovens were developed from coconut fibers by different methods to analyze their impact on breaking force and deformation. Thus, needle-punching and chemical bonding were evaluated regarding two different levels of percentage of adhesive and punching frequencies. Additionally, fiber diameter was measured, the fiber components were obtained, and the tensile tests allowed to acquire the mechanical strength of the fibers and nonwoven materials. Coconut fibers were found to have an average elastic modulus of 1.83 GPA, due to their large diameter (0.3 mm) and low cellulose content (46.5 %). Also, it was shown that the implemented bonding method had a great effect on the mechanical properties of the nonwovens, in which the maximum breaking strength value was 212.34 N by the chemical adhesion method. The widespread use of this kind of material could reduce the waste generated by the coir industry., En Colombia, los desechos de la cáscara de coco representan un pasivo medioambiental equivalente a 38.890 toneladas anuales. Una posible alternativa para reducir el impacto ambiental de la industria cocotera es usarlos en nuevas aplicaciones; en ese sentido, se proponen materiales hechos con la fibra de la corteza del coco. En este estudio se desarrollaron no tejidos a partir de fibras de coco por dos métodos diferentes: el punzonado a través de dos frecuencias de golpe y la adhesión química con dos porcentajes de adhesivo, con el fin de analizar su efecto en la resistencia mecánica y deformación de los materiales fabricados. Adicionalmente, se determinaron el diámetro de la fibra, los componentes químicos de la misma y la resistencia mecánica tanto de las fibras como de los materiales no tejidos. Se encontró que las fibras de coco presentan un módulo elástico promedio de 1,83 GPA, resultante de su gran diámetro (0,3 mm) y su bajo contenido de celulosa (46,5 %). Por otro lado, se evidenció que el método de unión utilizado influye en las propiedades mecánicas de los no tejidos, en los cuales el valor máximo de fuerza de rotura fue de 212,34 N por el método de adhesión química. Así, se espera que mediante el uso de estos materiales se reduzca considerablemente la cantidad de desechos de la industria cocotera.

Coir geotextiles are permeable natural fibres that are developed from the husk of the coconut to enhance the engineering properties of soil. Coir geotextile reinforcement is one of the most significant methods that has been used successfully in the recent years for variant number of geotechnical applications. The main reasons for using coir geotextiles are; the ease of placement, eco-friendliness, ubiquitousness, low cost, and biodegradability properties. In the recent past, many laboratory investigations have been carried out on the effect of coir geotextiles as soil reinforcement. However, these studies have not captured the stabilising mechanism of coir geotextiles reinforced soil under monotonic loading condition. In addition, only limited studies have discussed the cyclic behaviour of coir geotextiles reinforced soil. In this study, a robust finite element model was developed to understand and investigate the behaviour of coir geotextile reinforced soil during monotonic and cyclic loading. The finite model has captured the bearing pressure response of coir geotextile reinforced soil similar to the laboratory experiments. The inclusion of coir geotextiles increases the bearing capacity and reduces the settlement of soil during monotonic and cyclic loading. The inclusion of coir geotextiles in the soil creates a shear interface between the geotextile and the subbase soil. During monotonic and cyclic loading an axial force developed along the reinforcement. Due to the applied load at the surface of the structure, the subbase soil moves in a horizontal direction which leads to create the maximum axial forces under the footing, the forces gradually reduced when moving away from the applied load.

Coir is a natural, lignin rich, fiber that can be found between the hard internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut. There are multiple products made from coir fibers but a significant amount of fibers accumulating from coconut processing remains unutilized. Coir fibers obtained from ripe (brown fibers) and unripe (white fibers) have a high lignin content about 41–42 wt%, a low ash content < 15 wt% and a high heating value of about 18.5–19 MJ kg−1. The pelletizing properties were studied in a laboratory scale, single pellet press, and produced pellets were of high mechanical properties. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis was used to identify the glass transition temperature of coir lignin and indicated that at the applied conditions the softening of coir lignin occurs at about 120–130 °C, which is the usual temperature reached in an industrial scale pellet mill. These properties make coir a suitable raw material for fuel pellet production. Its high availability makes coir fibers a potential replacement for firewood and charcoal in developing countries, and thereby contributes to reduce deforestation.

[EN] Recently, biochars and hydrochars have been proposed as soil amendments and, to a lesser degree, as substrate constituents for soilless cultivation. These materials are interesting because their use is a means to reclaim organic matter and because, in some instances, they have been proved to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. Myrtle and mastic are native to Mediterranean ecosystems and are grown for their essential oil production. This study aims to assess the properties of two biochars from different feedstock and a hydrochar from the same feedstock as one of the biochars as substrate constituents, in order to partially substitute either coir or soil in the cultivation of myrtle and mastic. Although the physical properties of the four organic materials are reasonably adequate for their use in substrate mixes, the biochar of olive mill waste is extremely saline as a pure material and remains very saline in a 50% mix with coir. The hydrochar showed less easily available water for the plants and a lower pH than the others. In incubation experiments using mixes with soil, biochars absorbed more 02 than CO2 emitted, which suggests they were sequestering CO2. The hydrochar showed O-2 consumption and CO2 emission of one order of magnitude larger than the biochars. It also showed that an outstanding amount of organic carbon was being metabolized in anaerobic routes. The biochar of forest waste and the coir displayed N immobilization when mixed with soil, whilst the biochar of olive mill waste had little microbial activity. Although hydrochars had been proved not to immobilize N as pure materials, they did immobilize N when mixed with soil. When tried for plant growth, mixes of the local soil with the biochar of forest waste and with hydrochar produced the best mastic plants. However, unmixed soil gave the best results for myrtle. The biochar of olive mill waste proved phytotoxic for myrtle in mixes with coir, whilst the biochar of forest waste gave optimal results for

[EN] Recently, biochars and hydrochars have been proposed as soil amendments and, to a lesser degree, as substrate constituents for soilless cultivation. These materials are interesting because their use is a means to reclaim organic matter and because, in some instances, they have been proved to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. Myrtle and mastic are native to Mediterranean ecosystems and are grown for their essential oil production. This study aims to assess the properties of two biochars from different feedstock and a hydrochar from the same feedstock as one of the biochars as substrate constituents, in order to partially substitute either coir or soil in the cultivation of myrtle and mastic. Although the physical properties of the four organic materials are reasonably adequate for their use in substrate mixes, the biochar of olive mill waste is extremely saline as a pure material and remains very saline in a 50% mix with coir. The hydrochar showed less easily available water for the plants and a lower pH than the others. In incubation experiments using mixes with soil, biochars absorbed more 02 than CO2 emitted, which suggests they were sequestering CO2. The hydrochar showed O-2 consumption and CO2 emission of one order of magnitude larger than the biochars. It also showed that an outstanding amount of organic carbon was being metabolized in anaerobic routes. The biochar of forest waste and the coir displayed N immobilization when mixed with soil, whilst the biochar of olive mill waste had little microbial activity. Although hydrochars had been proved not to immobilize N as pure materials, they did immobilize N when mixed with soil. When tried for plant growth, mixes of the local soil with the biochar of forest waste and with hydrochar produced the best mastic plants. However, unmixed soil gave the best results for myrtle. The biochar of olive mill waste proved phytotoxic for myrtle in mixes with coir, whilst the biochar of forest waste gave optimal results for

Nine crops with lisianthus have been carried out on coir in cloth gutters, five of which were also on expanded clay pellets. In addition to growing on a closed system, the use of energy and plant protection products is kept limited. The crops have shown a reasonable production, although not as high as in practice. This difference may be caused by both the frugal exposure to lighting as the unfamiliarity with growing on substrate. The crops on coir have shown a better production than the crops on expanded clay pellets., ReferaatNegen teelten met lisianthus zijn uitgevoerd op kokos in gronddoekgoten, waarvan vijf teelten ook op kleikorrels.Naast het telen op een gesloten systeem zijn het gebruik van energie en gewasbeschermingsmiddelen beperkt gehouden. De teelten hebben een redelijke productie laten zien, die nog niet zo hoog is als in de praktijk. Dit verschil kan zowel zijn veroorzaakt door zowel de zuinige belichting als aan de onbekendheid met het telen op substraat. De teelten op kokos hebben telkens beter gegroeid dan die op kleikorrels.AbstractNine crops with lisianthus have been carried out on coir in cloth gutters, five of which were also on expanded clay pellets. In addition to growing on a closed system, the use of energy and plant protection products is keptlimited. The crops have shown a reasonable production, although not as high as in practice. This difference may be caused by both the frugal exposure to lighting as the unfamiliarity with growing on substrate. The crops oncoir have shown a better production than the crops on expanded clay pellets.

Strawberry is an important fruit crop within the UK. To reduce the impact of soil-borne diseases and extend the production season, more than half of the UK strawberry production is now in substrate (predominantly coir) under protection. Substrates such as coir are usually depleted of microbes including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and consequently the introduction of beneficial microbes is likely to benefit commercial cropping systems. Inoculating strawberry plants in substrate other than coir has been shown to increase plants tolerance to soil-borne pathogens and water stress. We carried out studies to investigate whether AMF could improve strawberry production in coir under low nitrogen input and regulated deficit irrigation. Application of AMF led to an appreciable increase in the size and number of class I fruit, especially under either deficient irrigation or low nitrogen input condition. However, root length colonization by AMF was reduced in strawberry grown in coir compared to soil and Terragreen. Furthermore, the appearance of AMF colonizing strawberry and maize roots grown in coir showed some physical differences from the structure in colonized roots in soil and Terragreen: the colonization structure appeared to be more compact and smaller in coir.

Thecharacter of coir handsheets prepared with beating and addition of polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) was investigated. Pulp coir from soda-anthraquinone pulping was used as raw material for manufacture of coir handsheets. Physical and mechanical properties obtained with different beating level and PAE dosage were measured. The addition of PAE 10% w/w and beating on pulp stock of 3000 rev increased grammage and density at 1.9 and 15.8%, respectively. Instead it decreased thickness by 15.8%. Addition PAE dosage of 10% w/w at 10000 rev improved the density, but decreased the porosity and Cobb60 at 5.8; 10.2; and 19 %, respectively. The highest dry and wet tensile were obtained at 20 % w/w of PAE. Combination of beating and addition of PAE on pulp stock formed wet-strength handsheets with range between 28.0 to 34.2%.

Ondernemer Michiel Vos gaat transportpallets maken uit de bolsters van kokosnoten. Die kosten minder en zijn duurzamer verwacht hij, dan traditionele houten pallets. De kokosnootboeren profiteren mee.

Most potting soils contain a large amount of peat. But clearly a turning point has been reached. More and more often growers, customers and consumers are asking for peat-free mixtures. The reasons are the large amount of CO2 that is released during the excavation of peat and the loss of ancient wetlands. This was one of the reasons to start searching for new raw materials for potting soils. A lot of experience has already been gained with coco peat, and biochar, which appears to offer added value, has the potential to become a key ingredient.

Thecharacter of coir handsheets prepared with beating and addition of polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) was investigated. Pulp coir from soda-anthraquinone pulping was used as raw material for manufacture of coir handsheets. Physical and mechanical properties obtained with different beating level and PAE dosage were measured. The addition of PAE 10% w/w and beating on pulp stock of 3000 rev increased grammage and density at 1.9 and 15.8%, respectively. Instead it decreased thickness by 15.8%. Addition PAE dosage of 10% w/w at 10000 rev improved the density, but decreased the porosity and Cobb60 at 5.8; 10.2; and 19 %, respectively. The highest dry and wet tensile were obtained at 20 % w/w of PAE. Combination of beating and addition of PAE on pulp stock formed wet-strength handsheets with range between 28.0 to 34.2%.

Thecharacter of coir handsheets prepared with beating and addition of polyamideamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) was investigated. Pulp coir from soda-anthraquinone pulping was used as raw material for manufacture of coir handsheets. Physical and mechanical properties obtained with different beating level and PAE dosage were measured. The addition of PAE 10% w/w and beating on pulp stock of 3000 rev increased grammage and density at 1.9 and 15.8%, respectively. Instead it decreased thickness by 15.8%. Addition PAE dosage of 10% w/w at 10000 rev improved the density, but decreased the porosity and Cobb60 at 5.8; 10.2; and 19 %, respectively. The highest dry and wet tensile were obtained at 20 % w/w of PAE. Combination of beating and addition of PAE on pulp stock formed wet-strength handsheets with range between 28.0 to 34.2%.

As aerospace industry has expanded with implementation of new technology, there is a need to reduce cost and weight for new aerospace products with safety as primary concern. Another consideration is product which could reduce environment pollution which related to implementation of Kyoto protocol. Current preference of materials can be consider less aiding in preserving green environment. The effect is deteriorating the environment from the event of material processing and production. Thus, the concept of green technology for aerospace product suit the matters being considered. Currently, green technology for aerospace product is suitable to be introduced in composite. One of the advantage of composite is lightweight if compared with metal-based product. To further reduce the weight of composite, it could be achieved with the introduction of green technology. One of the solution is to use natural fibre as one of constituent of composite. With the weight variation of natural fibre, coir fibre is one of natural fibre which low in weight and has the potential to withstand impact event. The impact resistance characteristic is important issue to be investigate when composite is operating at high speed condition. Since the literature about coir composite is lacking, further investigation of its properties and behaviour is required to evaluate impact resistance characteristic. In this study, the compressed coir-epoxy composite was fabricated using combination of hand lay-up method and compression machine. Then, compression effect of compressed coir-epoxy composite is experimentally investigated and evaluated by its mechanical properties. The ballistic impact properties was also evaluated from velocity of projectiles and energy absorption. For mechanical properties of 25 wt% coir fibre, the tensile modulus of elasticity is 17.42 MPa and flexural modulus is 74.02 MPa. For ballistic impact properties, the ballistic limit value of 1 layer specimen is about 88.25 m/s.

As aerospace industry has expanded with implementation of new technology, there is a need to reduce cost and weight for new aerospace products with safety as primary concern. Another consideration is product which could reduce environment pollution which related to implementation of Kyoto protocol. Current preference of materials can be consider less aiding in preserving green environment. The effect is deteriorating the environment from the event of material processing and production. Thus, the concept of green technology for aerospace product suit the matters being considered. Currently, green technology for aerospace product is suitable to be introduced in composite. One of the advantage of composite is lightweight if compared with metal-based product. To further reduce the weight of composite, it could be achieved with the introduction of green technology. One of the solution is to use natural fibre as one of constituent of composite. With the weight variation of natural fibre, coir fibre is one of natural fibre which low in weight and has the potential to withstand impact event. The impact resistance characteristic is important issue to be investigate when composite is operating at high speed condition. Since the literature about coir composite is lacking, further investigation of its properties and behaviour is required to evaluate impact resistance characteristic. In this study, the compressed coir-epoxy composite was fabricated using combination of hand lay-up method and compression machine. Then, compression effect of compressed coir-epoxy composite is experimentally investigated and evaluated by its mechanical properties. The ballistic impact properties was also evaluated from velocity of projectiles and energy absorption. For mechanical properties of 25 wt% coir fibre, the tensile modulus of elasticity is 17.42 MPa and flexural modulus is 74.02 MPa. For ballistic impact properties, the ballistic limit value of 1 layer specimen is about 88.25 m/s.

The purpose of the study is to delineate the impact of national and industry-specific government interventions and the influence of political parties in power. The study employs an interrupted time series design from the annual national coir export data (1970-2012) published by the Coir Board. The study concludes by highlighting that the significance of economic environment has a greater impact on the trends of coir exports than industry-specific interventions. A seminal finding of this study is that there is a significant difference in the coir exports during the period of governance by the two political fronts in Kerala.

Background and Aims

For plants growing in living walls, the growth potential is correlated to the roots ability to utilize resources in all parts of the growing medium and thereby to the spatial root distribution. The aim of the study was to test how spatial root distribution was affected by growing medium, planting position and competition from other plants.

Methods

Five species (Campanula poscharskyana cv. ‘Stella’, Fragaria vesca cv. ‘Småland’, Geranium sanguineum cv. ‘Max Frei’, Sesleria heufleriana and Veronica officinalis cv. ‘Allgrün’) were grown in three growing media (coir and two of rockwool) in transparent boxes under greenhouse conditions. Root frequency was registered and the activity of individual root systems was studied via 15N uptake and plant dry weight was measured.

Results

Plants in coir had stronger root growth in all parts of the medium than plants in rockwool. Upwards root growth was limited for plants in the middle or lower parts of the medium and 15N measurements confirmed that only plants in the bottom of the box had active roots in the bottom of the medium. The species differed in root architecture and spatial root distribution.

Conclusions

The choice of growing medium, plant species and planting position is important for a living wall as it affects the spatial root growth of the plants.
, Background and Aims: For plants growing in living walls, the growth potential is correlated to the roots ability to utilize resources in all parts of the growing medium and thereby to the spatial root distribution. The aim of the study was to test how spatial root distribution was affected by growing medium, planting position and competition from other plants. Methods: Five species (Campanula poscharskyana cv. 'Stella', Fragaria vesca cv. 'Småland', Geranium sanguineum cv. 'Max Frei', Sesleria heufleriana and Veronica officinalis cv. 'Allgrün') were grown in three growing media (coir and two of rockwool) in transparent boxes under greenhouse conditions. Root frequency was registered and the activity of individual root systems was studied via 15N uptake and plant dry weight was measured. Results: Plants in coir had stronger root growth in all parts of the medium than plants in rockwool. Upwards root growth was limited for plants in the middle or lower parts of the medium and 15N measurements confirmed that only plants in the bottom of the box had active roots in the bottom of the medium. The species differed in root architecture and spatial root distribution. Conclusions: The choice of growing medium, plant species and planting position is important for a living wall as it affects the spatial root growth of the plants.

The purpose of the study is to delineate the impact of national and industry-specific government interventions and the influence of political parties in power. The study employs an interrupted time series design from the annual national coir export data (1970-2012) published by the Coir Board. The study concludes by highlighting that the significance of economic environment has a greater impact on the trends of coir exports than industry-specific interventions. A seminal finding of this study is that there is a significant difference in the coir exports during the period of governance by the two political fronts in Kerala.

Background and Aims

For plants growing in living walls, the growth potential is correlated to the roots ability to utilize resources in all parts of the growing medium and thereby to the spatial root distribution. The aim of the study was to test how spatial root distribution was affected by growing medium, planting position and competition from other plants.

Methods

Five species (Campanula poscharskyana cv. ‘Stella’, Fragaria vesca cv. ‘Småland’, Geranium sanguineum cv. ‘Max Frei’, Sesleria heufleriana and Veronica officinalis cv. ‘Allgrün’) were grown in three growing media (coir and two of rockwool) in transparent boxes under greenhouse conditions. Root frequency was registered and the activity of individual root systems was studied via 15N uptake and plant dry weight was measured.

Results

Plants in coir had stronger root growth in all parts of the medium than plants in rockwool. Upwards root growth was limited for plants in the middle or lower parts of the medium and 15N measurements confirmed that only plants in the bottom of the box had active roots in the bottom of the medium. The species differed in root architecture and spatial root distribution.

Conclusions

The choice of growing medium, plant species and planting position is important for a living wall as it affects the spatial root growth of the plants.
, Background and Aims: For plants growing in living walls, the growth potential is correlated to the roots ability to utilize resources in all parts of the growing medium and thereby to the spatial root distribution. The aim of the study was to test how spatial root distribution was affected by growing medium, planting position and competition from other plants. Methods: Five species (Campanula poscharskyana cv. 'Stella', Fragaria vesca cv. 'Småland', Geranium sanguineum cv. 'Max Frei', Sesleria heufleriana and Veronica officinalis cv. 'Allgrün') were grown in three growing media (coir and two of rockwool) in transparent boxes under greenhouse conditions. Root frequency was registered and the activity of individual root systems was studied via 15N uptake and plant dry weight was measured. Results: Plants in coir had stronger root growth in all parts of the medium than plants in rockwool. Upwards root growth was limited for plants in the middle or lower parts of the medium and 15N measurements confirmed that only plants in the bottom of the box had active roots in the bottom of the medium. The species differed in root architecture and spatial root distribution. Conclusions: The choice of growing medium, plant species and planting position is important for a living wall as it affects the spatial root growth of the plants.

An integrated physical-chemical-mechanical approach was used to study the effect of adhesion on the mechanical strength of composites reinforced with bamboo and coir fibres, and three thermoplastic matrices (Polypropylene (PP), maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Surface chemical analysis was conducted by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS. Surface physical-chemistry was studied by determining surface energy components of fibres and matrices, by performing contact angle measurements with various known test fluids and employing a 3-component model for surface energy. Work of physical adhesion was calculated. Transverse 3-point bending tests on uni-directional composites were conducted to study interface strength and composite strength was determined by longitudinal flexural tests. Results show that increase in physical adhesion can explain the improved interface and longitudinal strength in bamboo-PVDF and coir-PVDF composites, as compared to the PP composites. For MAPP, no increase in physical adhesion is predicted, but particularly for coir a strong increase in mechanical interface strength and consequently an increase in longitudinal strength was observed, which may be attributed to a chemical adhesion mechanism.

Coir is a relatively new growing media, and little information is known of the relationship between particle size and particle size distribution on crop productivity. Particle size significantly affects the physical properties of coir, particularly the air-water relationships. The objectives are (1) to investigate the relationship water holding capacity has on total yield, fruit number and mean fruit weight of tomato (2) determine whether growth analysis could be used to test treatments prior to full scale growth trials in terms of predicting yields based on small sample sets of limited duration. Two yield trials, summer and winter trials, was designed to compare the yield of a tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) crop grown in coir using a range of particle sizes, while a plant growth analysis was used to compare RGR, LAR, and NAR. Two coir sources were used throughout the trials. One source consisted of seven treatments based on combinations of small (S), medium (M) and large (L) size grade particles. The second source consisted of two ungraded coir products, P1 and P3. Two irrigation (low and high) frequencies were used. The seven treatments were based on particle size with differences in WHC (water holding capacity). A bioassay was used to compare tomato yield and RGR. The physical properties, governed by particle size, have an effect on tomato yield. The average yield for the winter yield trial was 2.14 and 2.38 kg per plant for SG and HK data while the average yield for the summer yield trial was 7.92 and 7.69 kg per plant. An increasing linear relationship exists between WHC and fruit yield per plant, as treatments increase in WHC so do their fruit yield per plant. A relationship was also found between the bioassay and tomato yield trial. Similar to the tomato yield trial, as WHC increased so did the RGR. The relationship between WHC and RGR may have commercial implications for both soilless media manufacturers and growers who require specific physical properties

The focus of the study about randomly-woven coir sheets is to determine its potential as a kinetic energy absorber with the aim of implementing the sheet as an impact-worthy constituent. Among the effects of this study are the extension in the service life of raw coir, nomination of coir sheet as a competitive alternative to conventional materials and contribution towards the knowledge of coir in the continuous form as other studies tend to focus on coir in the discontinuous form. Tensile tests using a universal testing machine to determine the mechanical properties and ballistic impact tests using a light-gas gun and high-speed camera to determine the energy absorption properties were performed on fabricated specimens. The coir/epoxy composite specimen consisted of coir sheets layered together with epoxy resin minimally applied to adjacent exterior sheet surfaces,thus leaving the core of the sheet practically partially hollow, where the weight of the sheets and thickness of the resin were controlled. Through this work, a 1-layer of this composite behaves in a brittle fashion and has a modulus and tensile strength of 93.85 MPa and 2.77 MPa, respectively. The 2-layer and 3-layer behaves in a ductile fashion and has a modulus and tensile strength of 46.99 MPa and 1.77 MPa, and 40.07 MPa and 2.70 MPa, respectively. The relation between the number of layers and absorbed kinetic energy has too been discovered for this particular composite to be f(x) = 12:62x -0:02. To totally stop a projectile moving at 205 m/s, it has been found that a 10-layer composite (with a dimension of 100 mm (L) X 100 mm (W) X 8 mm (T) and weighing 12 g per sheet) of this fiber is needed.

The focus of the study about randomly-woven coir sheets is to determine its potential as a kinetic energy absorber with the aim of implementing the sheet as an impact-worthy constituent. Among the effects of this study are the extension in the service life of raw coir, nomination of coir sheet as a competitive alternative to conventional materials and contribution towards the knowledge of coir in the continuous form as other studies tend to focus on coir in the discontinuous form. Tensile tests using a universal testing machine to determine the mechanical properties and ballistic impact tests using a light-gas gun and high-speed camera to determine the energy absorption properties were performed on fabricated specimens. The coir/epoxy composite specimen consisted of coir sheets layered together with epoxy resin minimally applied to adjacent exterior sheet surfaces,thus leaving the core of the sheet practically partially hollow, where the weight of the sheets and thickness of the resin were controlled. Through this work, a 1-layer of this composite behaves in a brittle fashion and has a modulus and tensile strength of 93.85 MPa and 2.77 MPa, respectively. The 2-layer and 3-layer behaves in a ductile fashion and has a modulus and tensile strength of 46.99 MPa and 1.77 MPa, and 40.07 MPa and 2.70 MPa, respectively. The relation between the number of layers and absorbed kinetic energy has too been discovered for this particular composite to be f(x) = 12:62x -0:02. To totally stop a projectile moving at 205 m/s, it has been found that a 10-layer composite (with a dimension of 100 mm (L) X 100 mm (W) X 8 mm (T) and weighing 12 g per sheet) of this fiber is needed.

Paprikateler Johan Janssen heeft gekozen voor een strategie van specialisatie in plaats van mee te gaan in de trend van schaalvergroting. Op zijn bedrijf van 1,4 ha teelt hij op een manier, die het milieu zo weinig mogelijk belast. Centraal in zijn aanpak staat het realiseren van een natuurlijk bodemleven in de kokosmatten. Deze teeltmethodiek gaat gepaard met een reductie van kunstmestgebruik, van gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en van CO2. De teler onderkent de noodzaak om het verhaal achter het product actief naar de markt uit te dragen.