Evaluation of mechanical properties on the degradation of fibers netting subjected to rainfall

Malaysia is a tropical country characterize with high rates of rainfall, thus, leading to high erosion rates, with running water being the main driving agent. In view of this, the current study addresses this problem with the aim to minimize erosion by using natural and biodegradable fibers including coir, jute, and kenaf fibers in the form of nettings which aid as vegetative turfing along the eroded soil areas. These nettings are intended to protect the soil by providing a physical barrier between the soil particles and rainwater. The effects of rain-drought cycles on the structural and mechanical properties of the treated nettings were evaluated. Tensile strength tests were performed on the treated and untreated fiber nettings. Results of the tensile strength of the treated fiber nettings indicate that after 60 days of laying, the area on which the treated coir net fiber was laid showed superior strength relative to the areas on which the treated jute and kenaf net fibers were laid. Coir net fiber retained 21.1% of the strength while the jute and kenaf net fibers retained 20.1% and 14.7% respectively. The high values retained by the coir net fiber may be due to its high lignin content and its ability to absorb rainwater better than the other fibers.