BRIN Develops Composite Roof Tiles from Biomass Waste: Lightweight, Strong, and Environmentally Friendly
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to encourage the development of environmentally friendly material innovations through the utilization of biomass waste. One innovation being developed is a biomass-based composite roof tile, which is lightweight, strong, and has the potential to improve residential safety, especially in earthquake-prone areas.
Prof. Sukma Surya Kusumah, a researcher at the Biomass and Bioproducts Research Center, BRIN's Nanotechnology and Materials Research Organization (ORNM), explained that this innovation is motivated by Indonesia's geographic location, which is prone to earthquakes.
"Many times during earthquakes, occupants suffer injuries from being crushed by heavy roof tiles. On the other hand, Indonesia has abundant biomass potential, but it has not been optimally utilized. This is where the initiative to develop biomass into high-value-added products, one of which is roof tile material, emerged," he said in an interview on Monday (March 9).
In addition to improving building safety, this composite roof tile innovation also offers a more environmentally friendly alternative material. According to Sukma, some types of conventional roof tiles, such as asbestos, are known to pose health risks because they can irritate the respiratory system and potentially trigger cancer in the long term.
Lightweight, Strong, and Fire-Resistant
The biomass composite roof tiles developed by BRIN are much lighter than typical commercial roof tiles. While clay tiles weigh around 32 kg/m², these composite tiles only weigh around 4 kg/m².
Despite their light weight, their mechanical strength is maintained. These tiles can withstand loads of up to 50 kg, making them safe for use during roof maintenance.
"The main advantage is that they are lightweight yet strong. This is important for improving the safety of home occupants, especially in earthquake-prone areas," explained Sukma.
Furthermore, biomass composite roof tiles offer several other advantages, including water resistance, fire resistance with a slower burning rate, competitive pricing, and being an environmentally friendly product (green product).
This innovation also has the potential to support Indonesia's 2060 Net Zero Emission target, as well as supporting the national housing development program through the "roofing" program.
Biomass Utilization and Product Testing
The main material for these composite tiles is derived from lignocellulosic biomass waste, such as coconut fiber and palm oil waste. Meanwhile, the adhesive used is derived from natural ingredients, such as tannin, citric acid, sucrose, and molasses from sugarcane processing waste.
According to Sukma, the use of natural adhesives is a distinct advantage because most commercial products still use formaldehyde-based adhesives, which have the potential to be harmful to health and the environment.
The composite tile production process begins by processing the biomass into small particles using various equipment, such as a ring flaker, drum chipper, and hammer mill. The particles are then sorted by size using a sieving machine to achieve the optimal composition.
After drying to a moisture content of around 5-8%, the biomass particles are mixed with the natural adhesive until evenly distributed. This mixture then undergoes mat forming, cold pressing, and hot press molding to form the composite tiles.
To ensure product quality, the research team conducted various tests, including physical and mechanical properties, weather resistance, and fire resistance. Since the research began in 2021, the biomass composite roof tiles have undergone a year of field testing.
"Field test results show this product is highly durable. The roof tiles have not undergone significant expansion and remain strong enough to support human weight during roof maintenance," said Sukma.
Currently, the research team is continuing testing to determine the product's durability, which is estimated to last 10 to 20 years.
In its development, BRIN also collaborates with industry partners, including PT Coir Indonesia Global as a coconut fiber supplier, several palm oil companies as suppliers of empty oil palm bunches (EFB), and PT Baja Tangguh Lestari as a composite roof tile production partner.
Through this innovation, BRIN hopes that utilizing biomass waste will not only increase the added value of natural resources but also provide a safer, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly building material solution for the community.
