Research and development of new roofing material using kenaf core

Abu Bakar, Abu Abbas Azimi (2024) Research and development of new roofing material using kenaf core. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The research and development of a new roofing material based on the abundant and sustainable resources of kenaf core is the focus of this study. Kenaf, a fast-growing plant with great fibre qualities, has the potential to be a renewable and environmentally beneficial roofing material. The process that been used in this study for the manufacturing of the sample is hand layup process and testing to ASTM standard.The matrix material that been used in this study is polyester resin. The goal of this study is to look at the mechanical, thermal, and durability aspects of the newly produced roofing material. The research includes material characterization studies such as tensile strength,flexural strength,compression strength and absorbent to impact energy,while for physical characterization the research also include thermal conductivity and water absorption testing. Furthermore, the performance of the roofing material showed that the sample with the smaller kenaf core size is performing well in term of mechanical properties where it shows that the sample with kenaf core size of 40 mesh having the highest value force 996.11 N in tensile test,187.25 N in flexural test and 90.12 kN in compression test.For the impacted energy sample with the kenaf core size of <3mm come out on top with the value 54.93 kJ/m2 of absorbed enegy and value of 4.12 J impacted energy .Physical testing showing a unique result that show sample with the bigger size of kenaf core have a better performance in temperature properties with the sample size of <20 mm size of kenaf core have the highest percentage drop value of 32.36 % in heat testing but sample with the smallest kenaf core size yet again come out on top in the water penetration test with only 10.97 % water lost and the increase of only 0.2 mm thickness in swelling test.To ensure the balance of mechanical and pysical properties of the new roofing material,the kenaf core size of <3mm hase been chosen to be the baseline for performance comparison to ensure a balance between exceptional results and consistent behaviour. Important insights into the feasibility and potential benefits of utilizing kenaf core as a viable roofing material choice are offered by the study's findings.

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