Government of Kerala
Canal bank protection at Nedumudi Panchayath
Strengthening of the canal bank using cocologs at Nedumudi Panchayath, Alappuzha district was envisaged for the protection of paddy field and settlements from micro flooding caused by the collapse of canal bank. For strengthening the canal bank, cocologs were used. In spite of receiving heavy rainfall, no slumping or failure was observed in the area owing to the reinforcement provided by the cocologs, which otherwise was a common phenomenon. In the region, paddy cultivation was limited to a single season in a year primarily due to micro flooding. But with the implementation of the project, the reinforcement provided to the canal bank strengthened the bank against the water pressure. Consequently, the paddy field was also well protected from otherwise intruding water. This has led to cultivation of paddy for second time in a year which was possible after a period of 15-20 years.
Development of coir road divider
The ecofriendly divider is constructed using natural materials of coir. The application of coir based material aid in easing the channelization of traffic involving lower economics. Being constructed using coir based materials; these dividers can drastically reduce the impact on collision in comparison to other dividers. These are particularly suited in regions having less availability of soil. Further, the inclusion of coir based material fosters the development of vegetation's in the dividers. This aids in reduction of quantity of soil and the irrigation water required for the growth and development of the vegetation.
Erosion control using coir geotextiles by rejuvenation of exposed rock patches
The most befitting solution for abating erosion is through vegetative establishment. This establishment is possible in a media like soil where the rooting is able to be established. But in cases of rocks, the extend of establishment is only meagre. To combat such an issue, combination of coir product can effectively be used for rejuvenation of rock patches.
Creative coir – Acoustic panel system in coir
Acoustic panel using different types of coir products of first generation were developed for interior decoration. The acoustic paneling system will serve the purpose of enhancing acoustics and will be cost effective. Preliminary prototypes of coir panels were made with available forms of coir in the market and experimented using different thickness. The same were designed in sizes and shapes to suit different instances where it could be used like false ceilings, partitions, walls etc. An eco-friendly, fire retardant, cost-effective, durable and aesthetically good product having retrofitting features, international standard for the panels, safe and organic, low cost alternative, a low NRC product was developed.
Development of coir binderless board
Coconut husk can be used as the base material for the production of environment friendly, binderless, high performance board materials. The specific chemical composition of the coir fibre, in particular its high content of lignin, can be used for the production of high quality coir fibre boards. A simple and efficient technology has been developed to produce high strength - high density board materials. The produced board material exhibited excellent properties, comparable with or even superior to commercial wood based panels. The boards can be stored on a flat surface on top of each other. The coconut husk boards can be handled with common wood working equipment for drilling, sawing and polishing.
Development of biodegradable mulching mat using coir polymer systems
To extend the service life of coir mulching mats the use of various polymers as an alternative bonding material was explored as a Collaborative project between NIIST and NCRMI. A range of systems composed of biodegradable coir and polymers as mulching sheets/mats with improved properties was developed. The coir mulch mats on laboratory scale were fabricated; both mechanical and optical characteristics were studied. Mulching mats produced from biodegradable materials like coir has several distinct advantages over conventional polymeric mulches.
Product design and development of coir fiber reinforced polymer composites for automotive and domestic applications
Eco-friendly sustainable coir fiber reinforced green composites for commercial applications were developed as part of collaborative project between CBPST and NCRMI. The application target was driven by the current needs in the automotive industry to make eco-friendly interior automotive parts. A prototype design was developed for making PP-coir composite domestic products. The products have shown excellent mechanical properties along with low water absorption value and superior hardness compared to that of other thermoplastic products. The coir based polymer composite, the new engineering application to the end uses of coir is a best wood substitute.
