Lawn clippings used to make eco-friendlier fireplace logs
By Ben Coxworth
November 16, 2012
Every year, untold tons of lawn clippings end up in landfills – or
at best, in compost heaps. US Department of Agriculture chemist
Syed H. Imam, however, has come up with what could be a better use
for them. He’s been making them into fireplace logs, that have some
big advantages over conventional artificial logs.
Compressed grass clippings actually only make up about 20 to 60
percent of the logs, by weight. Much of the rest is binder
material, made from commonly-available plant-based waxes or oils.
These binders not only allow the logs to hold their shape, but they
also boost their energy value and extend their burn time.
Additional plant oils can be added to create pleasing aromas, or
even to keep bugs away when burned outdoors.
Potassium chlorate accounts for two percent of the logs’ weight.
It’s a mineral oxidizer that allows them to ignite quickly, while
also keeping the color and height of their flames consistent. One
thing that the logs don’t contain is petroleum-based chemicals, so
they reportedly burn much more cleanly than regular man-made
logs.
Additionally, unlike many existing products, their production
process doesn’t require large amounts of heat. A temperature of
about 45ºC (113ºF) is sufficient to dry the grass sufficiently, and
to soften the wax so that it can be mixed in thoroughly.
The technology could also be applied to agricultural waste such as
cornstalks or rice straw, and could be used to make other
combustible products like pellets for wood-burning stoves, or
fire-starting sticks for campfires.
Imam and his research partners are now seeking a patent for their
process. Green Log already offers fireplace logs made from
purpose-grown
Giant King Grass, although they’re rather
pricey, and require the buyer to pay a substantial shipping
fee.
Source: United States Department of Agriculture
http://www.gizmag.com/lawn-clippings-fireplace-logs/25058/
wenns ja jetzt im US-Laändle wächst sollte der preis eigentlich
günstiger werden. die zukunft wirds zeigen ...
nwe
aston