Study to Promote the Forming of Flat Roof Tiles from Rubber

Abstract

The government's promotion of rubber plantation in the country has led to a decline in rubber prices, necessitating the development of value-added products through processing. The objectives of this study are 1. to explore the feasibility of developing flat roofing tiles made from natural rubber as a new alternative in architectural applications, and 2. to promote the quantitative use of rubber as a high-value product to stabilize rubber prices. The methodology consists of 1. data collection and goal setting, 2. experimental design and preparation, 3. conducting experiments, 4. analysis and comparison of results, and 5. evaluation and conclusion. The study area is in the northern region, specifically Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province, which is significantly affected by low rubber prices. Research tools include surface change observation through tactile methods, image recording, heat measurement devices, and material cost calculations. The findings indicate that for the first experimental design (ratio 3:4), the material maintained its form and surface characteristics well, while the second design (ratio 4:7) also showed good stability. In terms of surface temperature, the first experimental design exhibited a lower average surface temperature compared to the second design and commercially available shingle roofs. The production costs of both experimental designs were lower than shingle roof tiles. Therefore, producing flat roofing tiles from natural rubber is commercially viable and promotes the quantitative use of rubber, contributing to the stabilization of domestic rubber prices.