Composite materials from local resources

An overview of building materials from local resources is briefly presented with a particular attention on natural fibres based composites. Natural fibres are low-cost, locally available in abundance and obtained from renewable resources. At the Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, the potential of sisal and jute fibres as reinforcements have been systematically investigated to overcome their well-defined problems of moisture absorption. The performance of polymer composites made from these natural fibres and unsaturated polyester/epoxy resin was evaluated under various humidity, hygrothermal and weathering conditions. Consequent to this, various composite products such as laminates/panels, doors, roofing sheets, shuttering and dough moulding compound have been prepared. The suitability to these products is assessed as an alternate material according to the existing Indian standard specifications. The process know-how for the manufacturing of natural fibre composite panels/door shutters has also been commercialized. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.