SERDANG, May 20 (Bernama) -- After six years of research, the Malaysian
Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) has succeeded in
developing Kenaf Polymer Composite (KPC) as a sustainable green material for
buildings and industrial applications.
Kenaf application is an alternative for wood-based application. Since it is
a short term fibre crop, no forest will be cut for use as timber, thus
preventing the degradation of natural resources.
Mardi director-general Datuk Dr Abd Shukor Abd Rahman said KPC products are
durable and more eco friendly.
"The products have also undergone very stringent durability tests. It has
also been sent for testing by the European Union (EU) TÜV Rheinland in Singapore
and certified," he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum
of Understanding with KPC Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Mardi, here today.
Abd Shukor said with the success, Kenaf planting would become a more
lucrative venture for farmers.
--MORE
MARDI-KENAF 2 (LAST) SERDANG
Combining kenaf fiber with other resources provides a strategy for producing
advanced composite materials that take advantage of the properties of both types
of resources.
It allows us to design materials based on end-use requirements within a
framework of cost, recyclability and environmental. Kenaf fiber is outstanding
reinforcing filler in thermo-plastic composites.
High quality profiles had been produced using various components of kenaf
materials and plastic resins. Kenaf is an environmental friendly crop which can
be grown throughout the year in the tropics.
The plants are harvested between 4-5 months. Hence KPC is made from
renewable raw material which could be recycled and saving the forest.
Abd Shukor said the product has a vast potential and market, estimated at
RM3 billion.
He said based on the Kenaf and Tobacco Board report, the global composite
for wood based products was estimated at a whopping USD280 billion with Malaysia
expected to produce between seven to 11 percent of the demand.
"The appointment of KPC Manufacturing as our partner to commercialize the
product was done after taking into consideration the company''s vast experience
in marketing. The company had also met our expectations and specifications," he
said.
-- BERNAMA
ZIM JRL