Innovative composite material aims to reduce casualties and support environmental targets

Researchers at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have introduced a new generation of lightweight, durable roof tiles made from biomass, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional roofing materials, as reported by ANTARA.

The innovation has been developed with a focus on improving building safety in earthquake-prone regions. By using lignocellulosic biomass processed into fine particles and formed into composite structures, the tiles combine reduced weight with strong mechanical performance.

According to the research team, the project addresses a key risk factor during seismic events. Heavy roofing materials are often responsible for injuries when buildings are damaged. The newly developed tiles are significantly lighter, which may help lower the risk to residents while maintaining structural reliability.

In addition to safety benefits, the material demonstrates resistance to water and slower combustion rates, enhancing fire safety. Its composition from renewable resources also supports Indonesia’s long-term environmental ambitions, including progress towards net-zero emissions by 2060.

To ensure performance, the tiles undergo extensive quality control, including physical and mechanical testing, as well as resistance to weather and fire. Field trials are conducted regularly, with ongoing monitoring under varying environmental conditions to assess durability over time. Researchers emphasise that long-term evaluation – potentially over several years – is essential to fully validate the material’s performance, particularly given continuous exposure to sunlight, rainfall and biological factors.

Further development is under way to produce adhesive-free versions of the composite tiles, which could improve scalability and broaden their application.

The initiative aligns with Indonesia’s wider efforts to modernise housing infrastructure and promote the use of more resilient and environmentally responsible construction materials.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS