COIR FIBER ROOFING SEALANT: UTILIZING LOCALLY
AVAILABLE COCONUT HUSK FOR SUSTAINABLE
WATERPROOFING APPLICATION
Group 5
INTRODUCTIO
N1 Background of the
2 Objectives
Study
3 Significance of the
4 Scope and Limitations of the
Study
5 Definition of Terms
Study
Background of the
Study
Introduction and Properties of Coir Fiber
• The construction industry seeks sustainable
and cost-effective materials.
• Coir fiber, from coconut husks, shows
promise for roofing and waterproofing (Patil et
al., 2024).
• Traditionally used in ropes, mats, brushes.
• High lignin content makes it resistant to
moisture and microbial degradation (Kumar et
al., 2023).
• Coir fiber roofing sheets:
Meet water permeability standards.
Density: 1510 kg/m³ (Sharma & Verma,
2024).
Advantages and Environmental
• Coir fiber offers waterproofing capabilities
(Fernando et al., 2021).
Impact
• Compared to synthetic sealants:
Biodegradable and renewable (Jones et al.,
2020).
Reduces carbon footprint.
• Repurposes agricultural waste and supports
green building practices (Smith & Brown,
2023).
• Helps reduce construction-related pollution.
Purpose of the
• Partially replace conventional sealants with
Study
coir fiber.
• Evaluate coir fiber’s:
Waterproofing capability
Durability
Feasibility for large-scale application
• Supports sustainable construction by
transforming waste into valuable materials.
Objectives
This study aims to examine the coir fiber extracted from the coconut husk
as main component of a roofing sealant. The specific aims of the study are
as follows;
• To determine the longevity of the sealing properties of coir
fiber on metal roofing in terms of adhesion.
• Assess the waterproofing properties of coir fiber in terms of:
Water Resistance
Sun and Moisture Exposure Resistance
Commercial Feasibility
• Identify the chemical reaction of coir fiber on Galvanized Iron
Sheets.
• Evaluate coir fiber as a sustainable partial alternative to
conventional sealants.
• Utilize coconut husk for developing an eco-friendly roofing
Significance of the
Study
• Provides a sustainable and eco-friendly
roofing sealant, reducing dependence on
non-renewable resource-based sealants in
the construction industry.
• Researchers:
Provides valuable data on waterproofing
capabilities, durability, and large-scale
feasibility of using coir fiber as roofing
sealant.
Contributes to deeper understanding of
sustainable building materials and future
research on agricultural waste
applications.
Significance of the
Study
• Civil Engineers:
Offers practical insights into a sustainable
and potentially cost-effective alternative to
conventional roofing sealants.
Encourages adoption of coir fiber in
construction projects and innovation in
design and construction techniques using
coir fiber’s unique properties.
• Students:
Provides essential knowledge about
transforming agricultural waste into
valuable resources.
Significance of the
Study
• Environment:
Reduces reliance on synthetic polymers
and lowers the construction industry’s
carbon footprint.
Promotes a circular economy and reduces
landfill burden by repurposing coconut
husks.
Scoope and
Limitation
The study investigates the waterproofing properties of
Coir Fiber Roofing Sealant, a natural, eco-friendly, cost-
effective, and partial alternative to commercial sealants,
using coconut husk. Future research should focus on
long-term testing and material refinements.
Definition of
Terms
The study used terms with both theoretical and operational
definitions, including researchers' own descriptions and some
from previous studies, to describe the intended meaning:
Coir Fiber - Coconut shell husk fiber is a versatile material
utilized in architecture and construction industries due to its
versatility.
Coconut Husk - Coconut shell husk fiber is a versatile material
utilized in architecture and construction industries due to its
versatility.
Definition of
Terms
Sealant - A material that blocks fluids, air, gas, dust, sound,
smoke, fire, or liquid through surfaces or openings.
Lignin - A plant cell wall polymer strengthens and supports
plants, helping them stand upright and resist damage.
Asbestos-based roofing materials - Asbestos fibers, once
used in roofing for durability and fire resistance, were
discontinued due to health risks.
Definition of
Terms
Synthetic polymer - Polymers are human-made
macromolecules valued for their versatility, durability, and
customizable properties across industries.
Adhesion - Adhesion is the property that allows different
materials to bond and stick together through molecular
attraction.
Infestation - Pests are unwanted organisms that damage
property, pose health risks, and disrupt ecosystems.
Definition of
Terms
Viable - Feasible refers to something that can be accomplished
successfully with the available resources and conditions.
Degradation - The process by which something is gradually
diminished, deteriorated, or reduced in quality, condition, or
value.
Permiability - Fluid flow capacity measures how easily liquids
or gases pass through a porous material, influenced by factors
like porosity and viscosity.
Definition of
Terms
Repel - The term "resistance" refers to the act of pushing back
or preventing something from approaching or affecting an
object or entity.
Longitivity - Refers to the length or duration of life, or the
long-term durability and endurance of something.
