Development of Wood-Plastic Soil Tray Composite (WPSTC) Using Polymerized Coir-Wood Dust for Green Roof Structures

Abstract

Green roofs have been introduced for sustainable buildings in many countries with different climatic conditions. Studies show that it is an efficient and practical tool to combat the ill effects of urbanization. Installing a green roof system involves growing vegetation on rooftops and is used as a tool to help mitigate the negative effects of pollution. Green roofs may not act as cooling devices but obviously serve as heat insulation, reducing the heat flux through the roof. In this study, the proponents explore possibilities in developing a green roof system by utilizing wood-plastic materials to create soil trays where roof grass can be cultured and can be interconnected on roof areas. The study highlights the properties of the materials to be utilized in the design of soil trays, the schematic design of the wood-plastic soil tray composite (wpstc) and the green roof design for efficiency and functionality test were also presented. The physical and mechanical properties of the polymerized coir-wood boards for soil trays were assessed by determining its water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture and impact strength. The succeeding phase of the study which describes the energy efficiency test, and the functionality test was also disclosed in the summary of this paper.