I have seen this process like a lay man in the CSIR Technofest 2010, showcased by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, at India International Trade Fair during November 14-27, 2010 New Delhi, India and understand that a technology is available for the "Sisal Buffing Wheel" which was developed by Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, Bhopal - 462064, India
Sisal Fibre Based Products and Composites
Sisal is one kind of tree which is available in mountain or upland areas. This tree can be planted in wasteland areas and it gives three to four crops per year. Sisal crop means just taking leaves from tree and allow the tree to grow for second and further crops of leaves.
Sisal Fibre is widely used in rope making and also manufacture of sacks and paper. This is extracted from the leaves of sisal plants which are abundantly available in the upland and mountain areas.
This product has good scope in local market. Ropes are extensively used in agricultural operations and is handy on bullock cart while transportation of goods. The market for product is expected to grow in the rural market.
Manufacturing process : Leaves are passed through raspadar machine to separate the fibre from the pulp. The wet fibre is sun dried and twisted into ropes to required sizes in a rope making machine. The market for product is expected to grow in the rural market.
Sisal Buffing Wheels
Buffing wheels in automobile industry are fabricated by small scale/cottage industries in India. It is estimated that one million pieces of 2-10 inch diameter cotton wheels are used in practice. Theprototype Sisal fibre buffing wheel buffs metallic surfaces faster, saves time and energy and offers better cutting/buffing action as compared to stripper cotton buffs.
Energy prices and environmental consciousness are forcing the major economic markets like marine, automotive, construction etc. towards natural fibers. Sisal is considered to be one of the best because of its strength, durability, ability to stretch, affinity for dyeing and resistance to weather conditions. Sisal is a xerophyte plant and the fiber is obtained from its long leaves. In spite of its high potential, presently it is used only in trivial applications such as production of ropes, anchors and handicrafts.
The tremendous potential of sisal as a resource has not so far been exploited in India for value addition and employment generation in rural and semi-urban sectors. Preliminary investigations indicate that there is a great potential for the development of sisal based technologies for rural and engineering applications. Sisal being an agro product has a high employment potential. In addition, the commercial cultivation of sisal even in the unproductive lands makes it more attractive. Naturally, the products are expected to be cost effective too.
Recently the Govt. of India has sanctioned a major project to set up a Centre of Excellence on Sisal Fiber Technologies in the institute. To strengthen the activities in this direction and to develop a meaningful network of people working on sisal technologies it is proposed to organize a workshop to develop sisal culture in the country and also benefit to rural people to get more income for their livelihood. Further it focused on cultivation aspects, cost effective fiber extraction methods, diverse applications, effective utilization of sisal waste, financing, marketing and employment potential of sisal fiber.
Rural people may be benefitted by this crop and this technology in the mountain ranges and upland areas. Mountain or wastelands can be utilized for this and some earnings out of these crops will uplift rural poor people's living standards and their lives.
This technology is developed by AMPRI, Near Habiganj Naka, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal 462064, Madhya Pradesh, India, a laboratory under aegis of CSIR, New Delhi. Below links may be useful for interested who wants to know about the technology
