The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) has
developed an oil palm-based construction material that is 30 per
cent cheaper than conventional products. The new composite
materials, a blend of oil palm fiber and cement, can ___1___
to build internal walls and partitions in commercial and housing
projects. The lightweight and reinforced cement composite panel
is 50 per cent oil palm fiber.
The world's first lightweight oil palm fiber-reinforced
cement composite material was developed ___2___
FRIM at a cost of RM1.5 million. The material will help to
reduce the 30 million tons of oil palm waste or biomass ___3___
by the industry every year. This new product can bring down the
price of houses as well as ___4___
dependency on foreign labor by 30 per cent.
Companies are encouraged ___5___
money on research and development to turn palm oil waste such as
trunks, fronds, shells and empty fruit bunches ___6___
value-added products such as pulp and paper, car paneling and
seat covers.
The development of the new product promotes the dry method of
construction in the local building industry. The dry method is
favored in developed countries ___7___
the messy and labor-intensive wet method which is widely
practiced in Malaysia. This composite material made its mark in
the Malaysia Book of Records and was awarded a certificate of
endorsement. |