Info of some local resources

Sisal Stems

Before dying the sisal plant will, at 7 to 12 years of age, shoot a pole to carry the flowers. The pole may reach a height of 6m or more and has a fibrous circumference, which makes it tough, but the inner parts are quite soft. Sisal poles have limited structural strength and durability, but are sometimes used for wall cladding in semi-open structures, such as maize cribs. The poles can be split and are joined in the same way as bamboo.

Sisal Fibre

Sisal fibre is one of the strongest natural fibres. It has traditionally been used as a reinforcement in gypsum plaster sheets. Sisal fibres have the ability to withstand degradation due to bacteriological attack better than other organic fibres, but are attacked by the alkalinity of cement. However, research has been carried out to make sisal fibre, like other natural fibre composites, a reliable cement reinforcement for long term use in exposed situations. See Section Fibre Reinforced Concrete.

Coir Waste

Coir is the by-product of coconuts. The husk is used for making coir mats, cushions and as fuel. It can be mixed with cement, glue or resins either to produce low density boards having good insulating and sound absorption properties, or be compressed to make building boards. It is also used as reinforcement in cement for making roofing sheets.

Elephant Grass