In the heart of Indonesia, a student is challenging the status quo of the construction industry. Nugroho Mamayu Hayuning Bawono, a Master’s student in Industrial Engineering at Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, is exploring an unconventional solution to a pressing problem: the sustainability of wood-based panels. His research, published in Composites Part C: Open Access, delves into the potential of coconut coir fiber, a byproduct of the coconut industry, as a viable alternative to traditional wood resources.
Wood-based panels, such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), are ubiquitous in construction and furniture manufacturing. However, their production contributes significantly to deforestation and sustainability challenges. Bawono’s research offers a glimpse into a more sustainable future. “Coconut coir fiber has high lignin content, mechanical strength, and environmental benefits,” Bawono explains. “It’s an abundant agricultural byproduct that could revolutionize the wood-based panel industry.”
The coconut coir fiber, derived from the husk of the coconut, possesses mechanical properties comparable to wood. Its tensile strength of 13.51 MPa and density of 0.63 g/cm³ make it a promising candidate for wood-based panels. However, its high water absorption rate presents a challenge that Bawono is eager to address. “We need targeted treatments to mitigate this issue,” he notes, highlighting the need for further research into pre-treatment techniques and adhesive systems.
The construction industry’s reliance on formaldehyde-based adhesives is another hurdle. While these adhesives dominate the market due to their strength and durability, they pose health and environmental risks. Bawono’s research explores bio-based alternatives like tannin and lignin, which show potential but require functionalization to match synthetic adhesives’ performance.
The commercial implications of Bawono’s research are vast. As the demand for sustainable building materials grows, the construction industry is under pressure to innovate. Coconut coir fiber-based wood panels could offer a solution, reducing the industry’s reliance on wood resources and contributing to a circular economy. Moreover, the development of scalable bio-adhesive formulations could disrupt the adhesive market, opening up new opportunities for bio-based products.
However, Bawono acknowledges that there are still significant barriers to overcome. “We lack standardized production protocols and scalable bio-adhesive formulations,” he admits. Future research, he suggests, should focus on hybrid adhesive development, coir-wood composite optimization, and product differentiation.
Bawono’s research is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary innovation. By bridging the gap between agriculture and construction, he is paving the way for a more sustainable future. As the construction industry grapples with sustainability challenges, researchers like Bawono offer a beacon of hope, reminding us that the solutions to our problems often lie in the most unexpected places. The journey from coconut husk to construction material is long, but Bawono’s research brings us one step closer to a more sustainable future.