Preventing Climate Disasters in Peat Ecosystem Using Bio-Waste Materials for Canal Block Modules

Abstract

Peat ecosystems play a very important role in controlling global climate stability. Massive channel development in the peatland ecosystem can have an impact on excessive drying of peatland, which is caused by increased water flow rate and decreased water-saving power in the peat region and implicates the increased oxidation, and the vulnerability of fire hazards which contribute to the disaster of climate change. Recovery of degraded and drained peat can be done by building peat rewetting infrastructure, one of which is canal blocking. This study aims to utilize bio-waste material namely coconut fiber waste (CFW) for composite panels for canal block modules. This research was carried out using the hand lay-up method, with composite compositions in the form of polyester, fiberglass, wire mesh, and coconut fiber. The results showed that the composition of the type C composite panel samples had a density value of 0.0853 gr/cm 3 , the moisture content value was only 0.16%, thickness swelling was only 0.11%, and the length swelling was only 0.01%, better than other samples. Besides, the type C composite panel sample is also better, with a modulus of rupture (MoR) of 21.845 kgf/ mm 2 , modulus of elasticity (MoE) value of 78.057 kgf/mm 2 , and impact energy 79.66 Joules. It is expected that coconut fiber waste can be processed and used optimally as a bio-waste for canal block in preventing fire hazards (disaster climate change).