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Investigations
were carried out at IPIRTI under a Project sponsored by
BMTPC to develop an Eco-friendly roofing sheet. Since corrugated sheets
are more ideal for roofing application, attempts were made to develop
Corrugated Bamboo Mat Sheet (BMCS). For this purpose platens having
approximated sinusoidal wave patterns were designed to be fitted with
hydraulic hot press to produce corrugated sheets by using bamboo mat
coated with suitable resin binder. Extensive experiments were carried out
using woven bamboo mats of Melaconna bambusoides & Ochlandra
travancorica that were dipped in phenol formaldehyde resin and pressed
under temperature and pressure. Sheets made in the initial experiments
were subjected to rigorous test for evaluating bond integrity. BMCS thus
produced were subjected to performance tests like load bearing capacity,
water permeability test, resistance to boiling water and weather ability
and found to pocess excellent load bearing capacity.
BMCS
roofing sheets confirms to the requirements prescribed for asbestos cement
roofing sheets with enhanced characteristics like toughness, resilience
and ductility. Apart from this BMCS is environment friendly, energy
efficient and possesses good fire resistance. The BMCS developed is first
of its kind in the country.
Laboratory/pilot scale technology for manufacturing Bamboo Mat
Corrugated Sheets (BMCS) has been successfully developed under a
project sponsored by BMTPC (1995-1999).
Refinement of the technology for commercialization is in progress under a
project entitled “Field Demonstration and Development of Bamboo based
Composites/panels for housing in North Eastern Region" sponsored by
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. With respect to:
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Development of
alternate platens design/profile
Ø
Design and
development and fabrication of multi day-light hydraulic hot press
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Establishment of
pilot scale commercial production facility in an existing factory in
North-East Region
Ø
Development of
bamboo laminates
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Construction of
demonstration bamboo houses in Mizoram
BMCS
manufactured in the Institute pilot plant has been used in several
demonstration structures for high viability of the material.
It is envisaged to carry out techno-economic feasibility of
the project by establishing multi day light hydraulic hot press fitted
with corrugated platens.
A joint patent with BMTPC has been filed in Chennai patent
office. Patent No: 653/MAS/2001 dated 08.08.2001.
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