SHOCK ABSORBING SURFACE LINING BASED ON COCONUT COIR

Technical Field

The invention primarily relates to coir products but it also has relevancy in, environmental engineering, technology, sports, safety and health.

Background Art

Coconut grows in tropical climates and it has been a very useful tree to humans from early civilizations for both domestic uses and industrial uses.

The coir industry is one of the oldest traditional, export oriented and agro- based industries concentrated along the coastal belt of south and east asian countries. Several decades ago, coir was exported from producer countries as raw material in the form of bollots and bales of mattress, bristle or omat fiber bundles or as yarn, and the value addition took place in the coir- consumer countries.

In this invention a range of products based on coconut coir or coconut peat is disclosed. The products based on coconut coir and coconut peat is not new. However, in this innovative technology some novel products of different innovative uses are disclosed.

This document claims priority upon Sri Lankan patent application made at Sri Lanka National Intellectual Property Office under reference numbers:

Product Patent No Filing date

I. Shock absorbing surface lining LK P/1/17213 10.06.2013

II. Eco friendly carry case LK/P/1/17334 18.09.2013

III. Enhanced shock absorbing helmet LK/P/1/17277 26.07.2013

IV. Eco friendly wall covering LK/P/1/17376 04.10.2013

V. Eco friendly seepage control method and composition LK/P/1/17329 16.09.2013

VI. Eco friendly decomposable container LK/P/1/17377 04.10.2013

VII. Coco gabion wall LK/P/1/17494 10.12.2013 The coconut is the fruit of the Cocos nucifera, a tropical plant of the Arecaceae (Palmae) family. While found predominantly in Sri Lanka and India, it is cultivated in over 85 countries. These palm trees can grow to heights of over 100 feet, requiring the nut to survive tremendous falls. The name "coir" for coconut fiber bundles is derived from the Tamil and Malayalam word " Kavur", which means cord (Sampson, 1932). Various sources suggest that the husk, composed of lignin and cellulose based coir fiber and coir pith serves as a defense mechanism to protect the nut during that fall.

Mechanical, Physical, chemical properties of the coconut coir fiber is very important. As the coir dries out, the shape and mass change significantly, which may contribute to the increasing acceleration with multiple impacts on the transverse samples. While the aforementioned results demonstrate the energy absorption properties of coir, it is possible that coir evolved rather as a flotation device or as protection from animals and rotting prior to seedling growth (Gonzalez and Vista, 1914).

Properties of this fiber are as follows:

1. Chemical Properties

Generally coir fibers contained the higher percentage of lignin (32%) but in high content of lignin in coir fiber made the fiber tougher and stiffer (Tsoumis 1991). The individual fiber cells of coir are narrow and hollow, with thick walls made of Lignin and Cellulose. The phenolic groups in lignin is said to be responsible for initiating the absorbent property. Lignocellulosic materials containing a high amount of phenolic groups are expected to be more strength full and very low water absorption. And also effects to the elasticity property of this product.

Table 1 : Chemical properties of coir fiber

(Jorg Mussing, 2010, Coir - coconut cultivation, Extraction and processing of coir) 2. Physical Properties

I. Colour

Colour of coir varies from pale yellow to dark brown.

II. Impurities

Anything other than coir, including husk pieces, pith, and foreign partials.

III. Texture

Coir fiber bundles are stiff, resilient, spongy, pliable

IV. Resistant to decay.

Coir type of is highly resistant to microbial attacks and to sea water

V. Length and gravimetric fitness.

There is a significant variation in length distribution with type of extraction technology used and fiber grade/s produced.

VI. Fiber with diameter

Coir fiber bundles coarser and there diameters vary from 50-200 μπι (Figurel: Scanning Electron Microstructure of Coir fiber (materia.coppe.ufrj.br).

VII. Moisture absorption and moisture content

As a result of absorption of water, the fibers and the fiber bundles tend to swell, altering their dimension, and thus casing changes in the size, shape , stiffness and permeability of products such yarn or ropes.

(Jorg Mussing, 2010, Coir - coconut cultivation, Extraction and processing of coir)

3. Mechanical Properties

I. Breaking load

The range of the average breaking load and minimum average breaking load of tested coir fiber bundles is given as follows:

Table 2: The range of the average breaking load and minimum average breaking load of tested coir fiber

Coir type Average breaking load Minimum average breaking load

Hackled bristle fiber

5.5- 7.5 N 4.0 N

bundles (tow- tie coir) Bristle fiber bundles 3.0- 6.5 N 3.8 N

Omat fiber 2.7- 5.6 N 2.6 N

(Jorg Mussing, 2010, Coir - coconut cultivation, Extraction and processing of coir)

II. Tensile strength

The ultimate tensile strength within Sri Lanka coconut varieties ranges from 99 to 123 N/mm ² (Nanayakkara, 2004).

Table 3: Variation in the tenacity of coir and the distribution frequency

(Jorg Mussing, 2010, Coir - coconut cultivation, Extraction and processing of coir)

Coir is an abundant, versatile, renewable, cheap, and biodegradable lignocelluloses fiber used for making a wide variety of products. Coir has also been tested as filler or reinforcement in different composite materials. Natural fiber reinforced composites has grown rapidly due to high performance in mechanical properties, renewable resources and low cost (Md. Rezar, 2011). Natural fiber composites has some disadvantages as well although it has many advantages. One of disadvantages of natural fibers is poor moisture absorption which causes swelling of the fibers. This will cause the natural fiber composite looks less attractive. Physical treatment and chemical treatment are two types of treatment that can improve the surface of the natural fiber composites (Md. Rezar, 2011). In this project, experiments were conducted.

Furthermore, it represents an additional agro-industrial non food feedstock (agro industrial and food industry waste) that should be considered as feedstock for the formulation of eco compatible composite materials. This factor contributes to enhance the shock absorption property of the helmet with the tensile strength. Coconut coir is the most interesting products as it has the lowest thermal conductivity and bulk density. The addition of coconut coir reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite specimens and yielded a lightweight product. Development of composite materials for buildings using natural fiber as coconut coir with low thermal conductivity is an interesting alternative which would solve environment and energy concern. Geethamma et al, have studied the dynamic mechanical behavior of natural rubber and its composites reinforced with short coir fibres. This will help to reduce the heat generating inside the helmet while using it and to increase the comportability.

Acetylation of coir fibers increases the hydrophobic behavior, increases the resistance to fungi attack and also increases the tensile strength of coir- polyester composites. However, the fiber loading has to be fairly high, 45 wt% or even higher, to attain a significant reinforcing effect when the composite is tested in tension. (Tara et al)

From the literature findings, it is found that high filler in the material can increase mechanical properties of the product. The material will have more strengths and stiffness and this is providing by the tensile strength. The proposed material is coir fiber as fiber reinforced.

Advantages

a. The fibers are strong, light weight.

b. The fibers can easily withstand heat.

c. The fibers can withstand salt water.

d. The use of coconut fibres seem to delayed restrained plastic shrinkage controlling crack development at early ages.

e. Coir is an abundant, versatile, renewable, cheap, and lignocellulosic fibre.

f. The addition of coconut coir reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite specimens.

g. Sound absorbing ability

h. Coir fiber have high fire resistance than other natural fibers

i. Non- electro conductivity condition Modes of invention

Modes of the invention for different products are described as different aspects of the invention. Technical problems, Technical solutions, and Advantages effects of the aspects of the invention are described separately in the disclosure appropriately with the help of the drawings described below under different aspects of the invention.

Aspect lof the Invention - A Shock Absorbing Surface Lining 1.1 Background of Aspect 1 of the Invention

This invention relates to the development of coir based paving material which is suitable for jogging trails in order to maximize the benefit of jogging.

Jogging is a current trend and an activity used by the urban society as an exercise which is used by many people who spend sedentary life style to reduce fat, weight loss and prevent many non communicable diseases such as hypertension, cholesterol and blood sugar. Many people do jogging as a recreational activity for enjoying, as well.

There are several places for jogging in urban areas, and there are man-made jogging tracks people can use in urban areas.

These tracks in urban areas are built as walking paths. These paths are made out of concrete or tar. Such walking areas are not suitable for jogging and it is not a suitable surface for jogging for daily joggers due to hardness of the surface. Due to the hardness of the surface, many undesirable health impacts would occur in the spinal code and or legs and ankle. Medical professionals advise not to walk on hard surfaces as it causes many health problems.

Some of this damaging shock can be eliminated by jogging on somewhat softer surface tracks made of bark chips or rubber like compounds (Gordon 1984).

However, people are using concrete or tar layered tracks due to unavailability of tracks with shock absorbing soft surfaces.

This invention discloses a coir based paving material for the jogging trails to provide suitable soft surfaces absorbing shock generated while walking. Main advantage of this product is durability and flexibility due to sandwich type of coir based puff and layers. The nature of construction prevent the product from fungal and insect attracts and ensure long life.

In addition to using it a jogging track, it can be used for walking and running and even inside gymnasiums and exercise rooms. 1.2 Brief Summary of Aspect 1 of the Invention

The invention reveals a low cost, totally biodegradable natural fiber complex named as Comfort Jogger ^(tm) paving material which is suitable for healthy jogging trails. Well cleaned & cut coir fiber covered with coir sheet is utilized for this purpose. This mat when overlaid on the hard surface can prevent negative health effects arising from physical vibrations when jogging on hard surfaces like concrete. Flexibility and durability of this coir based paving material covered by coir sheet is very effective as walking or jogging with low permeability and elasticity.

1.3 Description of Aspect 1 of the Invention

The starting materials are:

(I) Coir fiber

Coir fibers are extracted from the husks surrounding the coconut. Cleaned and cut in to small pieces.

(II) Coir sheet

Coir fibers are extracted from the husks and mixed with latex, processed to manufacture a coir sheet.

(III) Preservative things used for prevent molds and fungus occur.

(IV) Use rubber mat for durability.

(V) Apply water proof material.

A Shock Absorbing Surface Lining paving pad has the sandwich type structure. Dry, cleaned and hackled coir fibers or replacing coir pith were well mixed with latex for the preparation of paving material. Pad bed thickness is normally obtain with compressing rubberized coir fibers.

Main advantage of this product is durability and flexibility due to sandwich type of coir based puff and layers. And as well as prevent from fungal and insect attracts and long life. Aspect 2 of the Invention - An Eco Friendly Carry Case 2.1 Background of Aspect 2 of the Invention

In the modern world there are different kinds of carry cases available with different materials and different fashionable designs. Most of them are made up with plastic, synthetic and leather materials which are badly damage to the environment. This invention reveals a biodegradable reusable hand bag and a luggage using natural coconut coir fibers.

Use of reusable bags can drastically minimize the plastic waste and its toxin. Reusable bags are usually made of eco friendly materials, so they are less-harmful to the environment.

Plastic bags not only have adverse effects on our natural habitats, but have also been found to be responsible for the death of many animals, mainly on account of the suffocation encountered on eating them.

Plastic bags are extremely durable, which more or disadvantage than an advantage. Majority of the rubbish present today will comprise of plastic bags. In other words, plastic bags have led to a great increase in the pollution levels.

Since plastic bags are not bio-degradable, the only way to get rid of them is to burn them up. Though lighting a match to them is easy, it has more than its fair share of disadvantages. The biggest of them is that smoldering plastics can release toxic fumes into the environment, in turn taking the air pollution to much higher levels.

One of the main disadvantages of plastic bags is that they are not renewable. The reason behind this is that they are made of petrochemicals, a non-renewable source of energy. They can be recycled, but not as easily as paper bags.

The present invention relates to a natural-fiber, coconut fiber bag which is naturally biodegradable. Coir is an abundant, versatile, renewable, cheap, and biodegradable lignocelluloses fiber used for making a wide variety of products. Coir has also been tested as filler or reinforcement in different composite materials. Furthermore, it represents an additional agro-industrial non food feedstock (agro industrial and food industry waste) that should be considered as feedstock for the formulation of eco compatible composite materials. This factor contributes to enhance the strength and the durability of the bag with the tensile strength. 2.2 Brief Summary of Aspect 2 of the Invention

Especially this bag has a light weight than other bags. The coconut coir bag has 2 or 3 main layers. Inner layer and the outer layer. Outer cover can be use relevant to the requirement of the bag. In the same way this coir mat which is made from coir fiber ropes can be used for the bag manufacturing process.

A bottom panel has the glue applied at an edge strip or sewing, and this edge strip is folded up to make a permanent join at the front panel where the portions of the edge strip that extend below the bi fold side panels left and right half panels and of the front panel contact one another to form a bi-fold bottom panel.

The bag has any dimension and with accordion-fold side edges. Both the permanent glue and sewing by a strength full thread will bio-degrade when disposed as landfill or compost.

The preferred coir fiber material for the bag is a durable material, resistant to water oil, juices, liquids with the outer rubber compounds, but is also "breathable" and permits slow permeation of air and other gases as well as water vapor. The bag is free of non -biodegradable synthetic organic materials. If disposed of as compost, fibers will disintegrate within weeks and will degrade into basic elements by action of bacteria in the soil or compost pile.

The bag may also be printed with the name of the store or restaurant, or with a coupon to be used at a later visit. The bags are provided in a stack or package, in which each unused bag is stored flat. The bags open out to allow the sandwich (up to two inches thick) to be inserted and stored.

Normally row coir fiber rough surface is appears on the bag. It should be apply some water proofing chemical and antifungal chemicals to prevent from getting wet and fugal and insects attacks.

Advantages of using ecofriendly travel bag due to following reasons,

1. Esthetics beauty

2. Light weight for save energy (empty bag 3-5 kg) 3. Give high protection to agents that can be broken

4. Coir bags offer ability to save environment and time as well as much of the monetary benefits.

5. High colour variation to the customer

Aspect 3 of the Invention - An Enhanced Shock Absorbing Helmet 3.1 Background of Aspect 3 of the Invention

There were two types of helmets on the market. Firstly, the traditional helmet with a hard shell and a liner of softer expanded polystyrene (EPS) which has good penetration resistance and energy distribution properties. The disadvantage of the hard shell is that upon impact, the hard structure causes a sudden stop. The brain may continue to move in the direction of travel and the impact is not absorbed very well. The hard shell is also quite heavy which may cause the helmet to bounce off the ground on impact. These properties can lead to brain damage and whiplash injuries. The second type of helmet is the 'in- mold' type, which originated in the field of cycling. These molded helmets have a thinner shell of hard plastic that covers the ears and the back of the neck.

Normally, both the traditional hard shell and in-mold helmets rely on expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for the shock absorption. EPS absorbs energy by plastic deformation, meaning it is deformed permanently upon impact. Therefore, a helmet liner made of EPS will not be good at absorbing repetitive shocks. Another aspect that is not taken into account in traditional helmets is the effects of rotational violence, which is a major risk at oblique impacts.

The main components of a helmet are the shell and foam liner. Basically, the function of the foam is to absorb most of the impact energy, while the shell is to resist penetration of any foreign object from touching the heart which can result in direct skull damage. The Present helmet shell (motorcycle, bicycle and safety) is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene copolymer (ABS) or Polycarbonate (PC) by using the injection moulding process. However, ABC and PC are expensive and they are difficult to get. Not only that but also some practical difficulties arise when the using this type of helmets such as high weight difficult to tolerate for long time ,low ventilation and heating etc..

Few researchers have considered changing the helmet shell (ABC and PC) to natural fibers composite shell. This is due to fact that the natural fibers composite have recently had a great resurgence of interest for several reasons, among which are cost and environmental preservation.

The coconut palm trees can grow to heights of over 100 feet, requiring the nut to survive tremendous falls. Various sources suggest that the husk, composed of lignin and cellulose based coir fiber and coir pith serves as a defense mechanism to protect the nut during that fall.

Energy absorption properties of the coir fiber is very important in here. As the coir dries out, the shape and mass change significantly, which may contribute to the increasing acceleration with multiple impacts on the transverse samples. While the aforementioned results demonstrate the energy absorption properties of coir, it is possible that coir evolved rather as a flotation device or as protection from animals and rotting prior to seedling growth (Gonzalez and Vista, 1914).

Coir is an abundant, versatile, renewable, cheap, and biodegradable lignocelluloses fiber used for making a wide variety of products. Coir has also been tested as filler or reinforcement in different composite materials. Furthermore, it represents an additional agro-industrial non food feedstock (agro industrial and food industry waste) that should be considered as feedstock for the formulation of eco compatible composite materials. This factor contributes to enhance the shock absorption property of the helmet with the tensile strength.

Coconut coir is the most interesting products as it has the lowest thermal conductivity and bulk density. The addition of coconut coir reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite specimens and yielded a lightweight product. Development of composite materials for buildings using natural fiber as coconut coir with low thermal conductivity is an interesting alternative which would solve environment and energy concern. Geethamma et al. have studied the dynamic mechanical behavior of natural rubber and its composites reinforced with short coir fibres. Coir fibre-polyester composites were tested as helmets, as roofing and postboxes. This will help to reduce the heat generating inside the helmet while using it and to increase the comportability. 3.2 Brief summary of Aspect 3 of the Invention

The Present helmet shell (motorcycle and safety) is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene copolymer (ABS) or Polycarbonate (PC) by using the injection moulding process. In here considered changing the helmet shell (ABC and PC) to natural fibers composite shell. This is due to fact that the natural fibers composite have recently had a great resurgence of interest for several reasons, among which are cost and environmental preservation.

The helmet shell according to the present invention constitutes the most outer layer of the open face helmet, molded in the shape of the open face helmet by using coconut coir fiber -reinforced. The shock-absorbing liner according to the present invention is shaped in accordance with the inner surface of the helmet shell by using a coconut coir fiber material with shock-absorbing performance.

Helmet mould preparation is very important part in the invention. Metallic, concrete mould should be prepared first with the suitable dimensions like as the normal helmet what we going to produce.

The shock-absorbing member according to the present invention is shaped in accordance with the inner surface of the helmet shell in general using adhesives as the coir based shock-absorbing layer attached to the inner surface of the helmet shell layer by layer with compressing as a structure like sandwich.

The cushioning member according to the present invention is shaped so as to contact a part of the wearer's cheek by using, for example, a urethane foamed material or a material with the same flexibility as this material.

The cheek pad is fitted into the inside of the helmet such that the whole engaging piece of the engaging body is inserted through the slit from back to front side and is engaged with the fixing member .The cheek pad can be easily and quickly attached on or removed from the helmet. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments as exemplified above and can be practiced by a configuration not departing from what is disclosed in each of the folio wing( above mentioned) claims.

For this project, used coconut fibers, coconut powder, latex, glue and epoxy resin. The coconut fibers that will be used must be dry and in good condition. The coir fibers used in this project are long fibers put in random and then spray rubber latex on this mat. Hand lay- up method is used to make the samples (Figure 2: Some machineries used for coir helmet preparation and side and inside view of coir helmet). Then the uncured coir mat goes through the heated pad machine made out the well spared equal width cured rubberized coir mat. This coir mat put in to the mould machine and made out helmet.

Aspect 4 of the Invention - An Eco Friendly Wall and Ceiling Covering 4.1 Background of Aspect 4 of the Invention

Covering is a type of decorative covering used on building exteriors and interior. Though usually non-structural in nature, it may be functional as well, and include a degree of water-proofing, a barrier against the wind, or other protections. Covering can take a number of different forms, be made from many different materials, and is often used to create a decorative building facade. Some of the popular materials for it include various metals, stone, and composite sidings.

In addition to actual brick and stone, there are also various types of imitation covering. Such covering are typically composites of various materials, such as asphalt, fiber cement, and other building products. They are usually designed to approximate the look of wood, stone, metal, or other more luxurious exterior materials, and they may be attractive due to their lower prices.

Although there different type of wall covering available with different type of materials in the local and foreign market, some are very toxic materials to man and the animals. Especially synthetic materials and the special paints use in there. And also some materials like stones and wood are very expensive and give very bad effects to the natural environment. Materials such as metals can be corrosive with the time. Not only that but also all these materials are very expensive and difficult to remove frequently and finally end up with lot of environmental harmful waste materials.

This new invention is about novel technique for the replacement of the present available interior wall covering materials with commonly available natural coconut coir fibers and latex. This coir fiber sheets are very easy to fix and no need to paint as well as bio-degradable. Heat absorption property of the pad creates cooler the inside the room. Most important factor is this method is very cost effective because this can be easily fixed without plastering the brick wall.

Sound and heat absorption properties of the coir fiber is very important in here. As the coir dries out, the shape and mass change significantly, which may contribute to the increasing acceleration with multiple impacts on the transverse samples. While the aforementioned results demonstrate the energy absorption properties of coir, it is possible that coir evolved rather as a flotation device or as protection from animals and rotting prior to seedling growth (Gonzalez and Vista, 1914).

Coir is an abundant, versatile, renewable, cheap, and biodegradable lignocelluloses fiber used for making a wide variety of products. Coir has also been tested as filler or reinforcement in different composite materials. Furthermore, it represents an additional agro-industrial non food feedstock (agro industrial and food industry waste) that should be considered as feedstock for the formulation of eco compatible composite materials.

The addition of coconut coir reduced the thermal conductivity of the composite specimens and yielded a lightweight product. Development of composite materials for buildings using natural fiber as coconut coir with low thermal conductivity is an interesting alternative which would solve environment and energy concern.

4.2 Brief Summary of Aspect 4 of the Invention

Disclosed herein is a low cost, totally biodegradable natural fiber complex named as "Eco-Coir Wall covering" for the usage of interior wall covering material. Well cleaned & cut coir fiber mixed with latex is utilized for this purpose. 4.3 Description of Aspect 4 of the Invention

The present invention relates to an attachable to a room space, substantially flat lining element, facing towards a torque on fastened to the room area Verkleidungsele the spatial surface underside of one of the opposing lower side top and te between the underside and the upper side extending side walls.

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a cost effective way, installations, especially electrical installations, even after the completion of the room area, thus making element of the dressing with the fairing to change with little effort and without accumulation of dust and dirt. The sheets are fastened with nails, steel hooks or glue, to the cement wall or directly to the brick wall as in Figure 3, the covering element is a rectangular rubberized coir pad, thickness 0.1cm to 10cm.

Coir fibers and Latex are the main materials using here for the production of coir based wall covering. Well mixed coir fiber and latex should be compressed and take the relevant thickness in rubberized coir sheet (walls of the casket).Centrifuge latex use here as the binding agent for the coir fibers. All the walls covering sheets produce with these pressed rubberized coir fiber sheets.

These covering sheets can be used as wood substitute for paneling, cladding, surfacing and partitioning and other interior applications. These wall covering can be easily fixed to the brisk wall without plastering or cemented walls with using fixing glue or with steel hooks. The covering sheets are very flexible and very low in weight. So it is very easy to handle rather than other available wall covering materials.

These covering sheets can be use with the natural coir fiber rough surface according to the client requirement. Water-repellent material may additionally be included in the covering sheets surface, for instance oil may be included to improve water -repellency. And also can use chemically treated coir fibers for this invention to prevent from fungal infections. Resin treated covering material suit for out- door purposes. In addition to that it should be mentioned that of course were different variations of the invention are possible. For example, not rectangular panel elements can be used to, for example, hexagonal or diamond-shaped accoding to the wall positions.

Aspect 5 of the Invention - An eco Friendly Seepage Control Method and Composition 5.1 Background of Aspect 5 of the Invention

Seepage is known as flow of water through soil and takes place when there is difference in water levels on the two sides structures such as a dam, sheet pile, etc.. In soil engineering, movement of water in soils, often a critical problem in building foundations. Seepage depends on several factors, including permeability of the soil and the pressure gradient, essentially the combination of forces acting on water through gravity and other factors (Figure - 5.1 : Seepage through a dam).

Permeability can vary over a wide range, depending on soil structure and composition, making possible the safe design of such structures as earth dams and reservoirs with negligible leakage loss, and other structures such as roadbeds and filtration beds in which rapid drainage is desirable.

All materials such as rocks, concrete, soils etc. are permeable. The permeability of soils has a decisive effect on the stability of foundations, seepage loss through embankments of reservoirs, drainage of sub grades, excavation of open cuts in water bearing sand, rate of flow of water into wells and many others. According to the Engineers and Geologists Seepage through dams, foundations, embankments of reservoirs, drainage of sub grades etc. is a huge problem in the construction industry.

One of the main techniques for reducing permeability/ seepage and to improve soil and rock engineering properties is Grouting.

Pressure grouting consist of forcing a material (grout) under pressure by a grout machine, so as to fill joints and other defects in rock, soil, concrete, masonry and other similar materials. Grouting is a widely used method for strengthening and sealing rock, soil and concrete and to reduce seepage in construction. The possibilities for sealing structures are very important in environmentally and economically. But by the practice of grouting in the construction industry mainly in Sri Lanka there are still problems related to seepage of water through construction materials and through dams.

In grouting there are many filler materials used for different purposes such as to increase pump ability, setting time of grout or to reduce it, to reduce permeability. Examples for some fillers are sand, pumicate, cement and bentonite. The cost of the fillers mentioned above and the lack of availability has made construction engineers, geologists and scientists to find alternatives to decrease the seepage through grouting while maintaining a high compressive and shear strength of the material. Therefore many researchers have been illustrated the importance of use of an alternative in grouting process which increases flexural strength, post - crack load bearing capacity and impact toughness and bending strength.

Properties of Human Hair

Mainly hair is made out of protein called Keratin and the composition is around 65-95%. Keratin is a laminated complex formed by different structures, which gives the hair strength, flexibility, durability and functionality. The composition of water, lipid and other components is more than 32%. Lengthening of up to 5% hair is elastic. This is due to the structure of the Keratin. Keratin a in its natural state, stretching arranges it into Keratin b. When the stretching stops it returns to its initial form like a spring. Hair has a high tensile strength and widely use as a fiber reinforcing material in construction.

Importance of use of Human hair and coir fiber as a Grouting filler

Hair is a non - degradable material and makes lot of environmental problems. If we can utilize human hair as grouting filler, these environmental problems can be minimized. Also hair is available and able to get in low cost.

Here we introduce the possibility of using human hair and coir fiber as a grouting filler to reduce seepage (permeability) and increase soil and rock strength both Compressive and Shear. Different ratios can be selected and be ratios on the proportions. Electric hair, these phenomena are associated with the hair's ability to become charged with static electricity. Since keratin is a good insulator, it is mainly friction which gives hair an electric charge: this effect is said to be triboelectric. It encouraging the exchange of electric charges. Whole of theory based on this human hair electric ability and it cause to develop hair structure like web or net. And coir fiber have high lignin and porosity condition and it lead to high adhesive capacity with cement.

5.2 Brief Summary of Aspect 5 of the Invention

Disclosed herein is an environmentally friendly and cost effective method using bio degradable material for seepage control named as "Fiber Seep". Seepage through dams, drainages, reservoirs,, foundations sub grades, etc. is a massive problem in the construction field and current seepage controlling methods have failed to give a sustainable solution for the problem.

In this invention, a fibrous material, specifically coir fibers and human hair, well cleaned and cut is mixed with either cement, sandy clay, clay, pumicate, Bentonite, plaster of paris, phenolic resins or starch. The mixture is then pumped using a high pressure grout machine into the pores or cracks of the structure to act as a natural paste on the pores or cracks.

5.3 Description of Aspect 5 of the invention

The hair is cut, washed and air dried to remove waste materials. The mixture of hair is treated with the bonding agent. That mixture tends to reduce the setting time of cement, sandy clay, clay, pumicate, Bentonite, plaster of paris, phenolic resins or starch.

The optimum amount of hair added would not disturb the pump ability and flow rate of the mixture. Also it should not disturb the workability of the grouting material in the machine.

Therefore the most relevant ratio classes for Grout material: Hair should be selected.

Followings are the test results of optimum hair percentages to the relevant Ratio proportions.

Ratio proportions Weight Percentage of Hair to Grout material

2: 1 0.4%

3:2 0.6%

3:2.5 1.0%

Over addition of hair to the mixture may caused to very low pump ability, formation of clots of hair in the mixture with minimum adhesion with grout material and formation of separate layers of grout material and hair.

Aspect 6 of the Invention - A Method and Device of Cleaning Oil Spills 6.1 Background of Aspect 6 of the Invention

The present invention relates to the development of an oleophilic and hydrophobic sorbent material, particularly for absorbing oil from the surface of water or sand and the method for its manufacture of this sorbent in the form of pads, mats or booms etc.

One of the serious problems facing industrialist and environmentalist is the removal of oil from unwanted areas into which it has been discharged intentionally or accidentally. Of particular importance is the removal of accidentally discharged oil from water or shore areas as a result of an oil spill. For oil spill, for example oil tanker accidents at sea or mishaps in the loading or unloading of oil from these tankers in port. Other instances of concern are the discharge of oil at areas around oil wells, oil rigs and oil storage facilities.

Therefore, numerous solutions have been proposed for dealing with the problem of removing oil from unwanted areas. One method relies upon bacterial degradation of oil, but such methods are extremely expensive, raise enumerable environmental concerns and are not particularly effective in many areas and under variety of conditions typically encountered, for example, the low temperatures of sea water into which oil has been spilled.

Another method is to use oil sorbents or absorbents, which are intended to remove oil from an undesired surface or areas through physical or chemical sorption forces, i.e., wherein the oil is not chemically broken down, decomposed or otherwise altered. Sorbent materials proposed for use in oil removal embrace a wide variety of products, ranging from sand to complex, chemically treated cellulosic materials. In general, none of the proposed sorbents is particularly well suited for the sorption of heavy oils associated with the most troublesome and serious accidental oil discharges for example the ability to absorb light oil differs substantially, in its ability to be sorbed, from the heavy oils, e.g., crude oil.

Another problem is the inability of many sorbents to resist sorption of water which is a very serious limitation, considering that the most serious oil clean-up operations involve discharge of oil in seas or other bodies of water. Attempts have been made in the past to impart the requisite hydrophobicity to oil sorbents but, even where some success was obtained; the cost involved often has been prohibitive.

Another limitation of many sorbents is the fact that, once the oil has been sorbed, the sorbent/oil complex still exhibits the stickiness of the oil, presenting as many difficulties in disposing of the oil-laden sorbent as existed in removing the oil from the undesired area or surface. In addition, it is found that many oil sorbents do not retain sorbed oil for a long enough period of time sufficient to accomplish removal of the sorbent/oil complex from the site of the oil discharge before the sorbent "gives up" the oil to the same or some other undesired site.

Numerous sorbents have been described in the literature. For example, there are oil sorbent prepared from wood fibers, wood pulp, perlite a mineral containing a substantial quantity of silica. Other silica or silicate -based oil absorbents are described as cellulosic base impregnated with a complex oil-in-water, ammonium or amine-containing emulsion. Polystyrene foam crumbs has also used for oil absorption.

6.2 Brief Summary of Aspect 6 of the Invention

Oil spill is one of the most severe environmental disasters in the world. During past few years oil spill has significantly higher due to increases of transport and exploration in order to fulfillment of increasing energy demand all over the world. Disclosed herein is the development of a low cost, totally biodegradable natural fiber complex named as "Eco-Swan" to clean oil and other hydrocarbons on sea water. Coir fibers were utilized for this purpose. In order to study sorption behavior sorption pads were prepared with the using coir fiber. This fiber complex, rapidly absorb oil & other hydrocarbons and could be recovered easily. Once recovered the oil saturated pad or mat could be squeezed by pressure to discharge the oil absorbed. The extraction does not contain water. Following oil extraction, the sorbent can be reused. The final byproduct can also be used as fuel wood.

6.3 Description of Aspect 6 of the Invention

Absorption pad is prepared with the cleaned dry coconut coir fibers mixing with latex and then did the heat and pressing for the taking of required thickness. It can be depend on the type of the spill and the location.

Aspect 7 of the Invention - An Eco Friendly Decomposable Container 7.1 Background of Aspect 7 of the Invention

Coffins can be the costliest part of a funeral, yet few people are willing to settle their loved ones in a plain pine box. Instead, most honor their dead in coffins made with fine wood, ornate carving or moldings, and expensive hardware. That can bring the cost to thousands of rupees. But the reality is once the coffin is buried, it is never seen again.

Caskets are well known structures that are used in the display and burial of a body. A typical casket defines a box-like structure that includes a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, two end walls, and at least one lid pivotally supported thereon for movement between an opened position and a closed position. Caskets are generally made from a wide variety of materials that do not occur naturally in the environment, including plastics, fiberglass, metals, and other materials. However, many of these materials are not ecologically friendly and, in some instances, can be harmful for the environment when disposed in the ground for extended periods of time. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a casket that is made entirely from naturally occurring and ecologically friendly materials, yet still provides a furniture quality appearance.

Wood is one of the oldest renewable resources known to mankind. It is the oldest material used to make caskets. Even today, people like to bury their loved ones in wood caskets. These caskets have become an indispensable part of burials. The main feature that makes these caskets stand out from the other caskets is their durability. They are very strong if constructed well. The disadvantage of using caskets made of wood is that a lot of trees are cut to make them.

The primary object of this invention is relates to an improved structure for a casket that is made from naturally occurring and ecologically friendly, low cost materials such as natural coconut coir fiber with minimal usage of wood and cheap timber.

Furthermore, it represents an additional agro-industrial non food feedstock (agro industrial and food industry waste) that should be considered as feedstock for the formulation of eco compatible composite materials. This factor contributes to enhance the strength and the durability of the coffin box with the tensile strength. Air pollution occurred with the burning varnish paint applied on the box can be reduce with the usage of this coir fiber material.

7.2 Description of Aspect 7 of the Invention

Proposed caskets are having like typical coffin, a box-like structure that includes a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, two end walls, and at least one lid pivotally supported thereon for movement between an opened position and a closed position. Small wooden or cheap timber plant frame like structure can be use here for the additional ridge to the box.

Coir fibers and Latex are the main materials using here. Well mixed coir fiber and latex should be compressed under high pressure. All the walls of the coffin box completed with these pressed rubberized coir fiber sheets with the using simple wooden frame.

Fig 5: shows a coffin 1 according to the invention, which can be a coffin, i.e. for burial, cremation or a casket, which has a, lid 2, a box 3 and a bottom or base 4.

The box 3 and the lid 2 enclose the volume which is to be used for storage of a body, which is to be buried in the ground or cremated in the crematorium. The lid 2 can be lifted from the box 3 or the coffin, either as a whole or it can be divided into sections, which can be lifted from the box 3 or the coffin independently from each other. The bottom 4 or the base gives the box a stable foundation on which to stand with a wooded frame mainly for the purpose of the increment of the rigidity of the coffin box and for the easiness of transportation. And also the base 4 results in the box 3 are being elevated from the surface on which the coffin is placed such that the bottom part of the box 3 is not in contact with the surface on which the base is placed.

The invention from the side, the lid 2 covers up the inner volume of the box 3. On the sides of the box 3 and the lid 2, the coffin 1 has vertical recesses directed inwards, which minimize the transverse (across the longitudinal direction of the coffin) perimeter of the coffin 1 in the area where the recess is placed.

Simple wooden frame (according to the shape of the coffin) should be prepared first. Then the side walls which is manufactured with rubberized coir attached to the box 3 and the lid.

Interior decorations can be done with the white satin materials or plastics. In the same way box lid also prepared. Not only that but also can add some simple wood sheets parts to decorate the coffin and gives elegant look the customer attraction.

In the same Box 3 can be made with the using chipped coir husk and pith as the reinforcement in the shell component. The strength of this material is similar to coir fiber material. It can add some wooded frame to the casket for the increment of the rigidity of the coffin box 3 and the lid. As well as can add some Jude like thread in between the coir fiber walls for more strength .Not only that but also can add some simple wood sheets parts to he box 3 decorate the coffin a and gives elegant look the customer attraction.

Aspect 8 of the Invention - Coco Gabion Wall

Background of Aspect 8 of the Invention

The present invention relates to the development of natural fiber (mainly coir) based Gabion wall which is suitable for replacing/ partially replacing existing rubble Gabion wall. Rubble gabion walls are constructed in order to stabilize slopes as well as to protect canal/river banks from high water flow. The proposed Gabion wall would be an ecofnendly Bio engineering method for slope stabilization and canal/river bank protection.

A gabion is a cage, cylinder, or box filled with rocks, concrete, or sometimes sand and soil for use in civil engineering, road building, and military applications. For erosion control, caged riprap is used. For dams or in foundation construction, cylindrical metal structures are used. In a military context, earth- or sand-filled gabions are used to protect soldiers from enemy fire.

The most common civil engineering use of gabions is to stabilize shorelines, canal/river banks or slopes against erosion. Other uses include retaining walls, temporary floodwalls, silt filtration from runoff for small or temporary/permanent dams, river training, or channel lining. They may be used to direct the force of a flow of flood water around a vulnerable structure. Gabions are also used as fish barriers on small streams.

A gabion wall is a retaining wall made of stacked stone-filled gabions tied together with wire. Gabion walls are usually angled back towards the slope or stepped back with the slope rather than stacked vertically.

As we have applied Gabion walls for various purposes, lot of disadvantages have been identified after the construction.

Disadvantages identified with Rock Gabion walls

1. Construction of gabion walls is expensive - volume of borrowed materials (rubble) will exceed those required for other methods

2. Involve large earth excavations for foundations rendering the ground unstable

3. Excavation of natural slope will disturb stability of soil and may cause earth slips

4. Longer construction time

5. Require large quantity of rubble (blasting of rock make environmental problems and natural resources dwindling) 6. Due to huge load of rubble/concrete settlement of the system can be occurred

7. Traffic congestion due to importation of large amount of rubble and disposal of excavated earth

Due to these disadvantages Scientists were searching an alternative for Gabion walls. Our natural fiber based Coco gabion wall will be an ecofriendly alternative for the modification of the existing rubble gabion wall (). This Coco Gabion wall is comprised with two or three layers (can be changed according to the slope height) of Gabion boxes filled with rubble and the top layer is consisted with Coco Gabion boxes

Description of Aspect 8 of the Invention

The Coco Gabion Box can be manufactured using several combinations.

(I) Gabion box is filled with tightly packed coconut husks and / or cleaned coconut coir fibers/any natural fibers. A suitable type of edible or ornamental plants is grown on it. Coconut husks are placed upside down to prevent water aggregations followed by mosquito problems.

OR

(II) Gabion box with a geo bag is filled with tightly packed coconut husks (upside down) and soil and suitable type plants is grown on it.

OR

(III) Gabion box with a geo bag is filled with tightly packed cut coconut chips. Then a suitable type of plants is grown on the Gabion box.

OR

(IV) Gabion box with a geo bag is filled with a light weight geo material

The size of the Gabion box as well as the grid is changed according to the material used.