Developing the Artificial Nest

Expectations of the Experiment

1. Hornbills can have nests without relying on tree holes, helping to protect both the great hornbill and large trees.

2. The use of more natural and environmentally friendly materials is encouraged for nest construction.

PURPOSES

To determine natural materials that can replace fossil-based materials in the creation of artificial bird nests for hornbills, specifically composite materials.

Composite materials consist of a continuous matrix and reinforcement. Materials that can be transformed into natural composites have two parts:

Reinforcement: Natural fibers
Continuous matrix: Unsaturated polyester resin including those derived from recycled PET , bio-based , etc.

Testing Methods to Determine the Natural Fiber

Wetting Test

The wetting test aims to study the absorbability of natural fibers with a binder, good wetting enhances improve the properties of the composite material.

Mechanical Test

2.1: The bending test is a materials testing method used to evaluate a material’s ability to resist bending and deformation.

2.2: An impact testing machine is used to assess the resistance of a material to rapid loads under varying weights and height conditions.

Weathering Test

The QUV durability test, also known as the QUV accelerated weathering test, is a test that is used to assess a product’s resistance to UV light, moisture, and heat.

Experimental Results

Hemp sacks demonstrated good flexural strength and moderate impact resistance among the materials tested. By optimizing the number of fiber layers, the study determined a suitable formulation with six layers of hemp sack. Layering significantly enhanced the artificial nests’ ability to withstand impact, specifically from hornbills. Results from the weathering test showed that the composite material was durable and could last 10 years. The study proved hemp sacks to be a sustainable and long-lasting alternative to glass fiber.

Resin Selection

Apart from the research done with conventional composite, i.e., unsaturated polyester resin with natural fiber (hemp sack), other research intended to achieve a higher level of sustainability, such as composites from upcycling PET, biobased resins with natural fiber, is ongoing.