JPH07317013A - Natural fiber mat - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent effectively soil erosion and be harm less to an environment and provide high strength, and what is more, to contribute towards the stabilization of vegetation and the promotion of greening as well. CONSTITUTION:A natural fiber mat 1E comprises a porous base material layer 2 made of natural fiber aggregates and a water retention layer 3 which is joined with the base material layer 2 and provides water retention. The base material layer 2 consists of a nonwoven substance made of a high tensile natural fiber, such as palm fiber. The water retention layer comprises a first layer 31 which consists of a natural fiber-made nonwoven cloth and a second layer 32 which consists of a natural fiber-made net-like matter (mesh) which are jointed with each other. Seeds 4 are scatteringly placed on a jointed surface 34. The nourishment which helps the budding and growth of the seeds 4 is impregrated into the first layer 31 as a liquid fertilizer.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a natural fiber mat laid and used on the ground.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a permeable mat is laid on a slope of a mountainous area or a hilly area such as a ski resort for the purpose of stabilizing the soil and laying a base for plant growth. .

This mat is required to have physical and chemical durability against a natural environment such as strong wind, a large amount of rain, snow, solar radiation, and temperature change. Therefore, conventional mats are partially or entirely made of polyethylene, for example.
It was made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (nylon).

However, in such a conventional mat, an organic substance (for example, an additive component such as a plasticizer) is continuously eluted from the synthetic resin material to cause damage to the natural environment or corrode the soil. Since it does not fuse with each other, it has a drawback that it needs to be removed or replaced periodically.

Further, although mats mainly made of natural materials have been developed, they are weak in strength and do not have self-shape-retaining property, so they are unraveled, crumbled, curled up (peeled), and broken by strong wind. Therefore, it cannot be used unless it is guided (compressed) or reinforced by, for example, wrapping it with a net made of synthetic resin fibers or linear bodies, and in the end, the above-mentioned drawbacks have not been resolved. .

[0006]

The object of the present invention is to effectively prevent soil erosion and to be harmless to the environment.
It is intended to provide a natural fiber mat which has a high strength and can stabilize vegetation and contribute to the promotion of greening.

[0007]

The above objects are achieved by the present invention described in (1) to (13) below.

(1) A natural fiber mat laid on the ground, having a porous base material layer composed of an aggregate of at least one natural fiber, and the base material layer itself is self-supporting. A natural fiber mat having shape retention.

(2) The natural fiber mat according to (1) above, wherein the natural fiber is a high-strength natural fiber.

(3) The natural fiber mat according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the base material layer is made of a non-woven fabric or woven / knitted fabric of natural fibers.

(4) The natural fiber mat according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the base material layer has a binder that bonds the natural fibers together.

(5) The natural fiber mat according to any one of the above (1) to (4), wherein seeds are dispersed in at least the surface direction inside the base material layer and / or on the ground side surface. .

(6) The natural fiber mat according to any one of the above (1) to (5), which has a nutrient for promoting seed growth on the inside of the base material layer and / or the surface on the ground side.

(7) The packing density of the natural fibers in the base layer does not prevent seed germination through the base layer,
The natural fiber mat according to any one of (1) to (6) above, which is adjusted to have sufficient strength to withstand the harsh conditions in an outdoor environment.

(8) On the surface of the base material layer on the ground side,
The natural fiber mat according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein at least one water retaining layer having water retaining properties is joined.

(9) The natural fiber mat according to (8), wherein the water retaining layer is made of a natural material.

(10) The natural fiber mat according to the above (8), wherein the water retaining layer is composed of an aggregate of natural fibers having a different material and / or packing density from the natural fibers constituting the base material layer.

(11) The water retention layer is formed by joining a first layer made of a nonwoven fabric made of natural fibers and a second layer made of a mesh made of natural fibers. The natural fiber mat according to (8).

(12) The natural fiber according to any one of the above (8) to (11), which has seeds dispersedly arranged at least in the plane direction on the inside of the water retaining layer and / or on the surface on the side of the base material layer. mat.

(13) The natural fiber mat according to any one of the above (8) to (12), which has a nutrient for promoting seed growth on the inside of the water retaining layer and / or the surface on the ground side.

[0021]

The natural fiber mat of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing an embodiment of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the natural fiber mat 1A of the present invention has a porous base material layer 2 made of an aggregate of natural fibers. The base material layer 2 is made of a natural fiber nonwoven fabric, woven or knitted fabric, various papers,
Examples thereof include an aggregate of short fibers or an arbitrary combination thereof. However, a nonwoven fabric or a woven or knitted fabric is preferable because it is easy to obtain sufficient strength and self-shape retention even if the packing density of the fibers is relatively low. A nonwoven fabric is more preferable.

The woven or knitted fabric includes a woven fabric, a knitted fabric or the like (for example, mesh). As the woven fabric, all kinds of fabrics that are practically used, for example,
Plain weave, twill weave and satin weave can be used. The knitting structure is also not particularly limited, and includes, for example, weft knitting (flat knitting), warp knitting (tricot knitting), circular knitting, flat knitting,
Examples include knitting of knitted fabrics.

Packing density (bulk density) of such natural fibers
Is not particularly limited, but has sufficient strength (bending rigidity, tensile strength, etc.) that does not hinder the germination of seeds through the base material layer and can withstand the harsh conditions in the outdoor environment such as strong wind and heavy rain. It is considered as a degree. Specifically, although depending on the type and aggregate form of fibers, in the case of a non-woven fabric or a woven or knitted fabric, the natural fiber packing density (bulk density) is preferably about 0.02 to 0.6 g / cm ³ , 03-0.4 g / cm ³ is more preferable,
It is more preferably about 0.05 to 0.25 g / cm ³ . If the packing density is too low, the strength and self-shape retention are insufficient depending on the type of natural fiber and the thickness of the base material layer 2, and if the packing density is too high, the pores between the fibers are opened. Porosity is not sufficiently secured, and the resistance thereof increases during germination of the seed 4 and seeds existing in the soil of the ground G, which will be described later,
Germination rate decreases.

Examples of the natural fibers include various protein fibers, cellulose fibers and mineral fibers. For example, coconut fibers, tree fibers (pulp), flax, hemp, cotton, silk, wool, cabot, ramie, linter, asbestos, etc. Among them, one kind or a combination of two or more kinds (mixing, blending, or a multilayer laminated body) can be used. Among them, high tension natural fibers such as coconut fiber, flax, and cannabis (high elasticity) can be used. (Natural fiber) or a fiber mainly containing it, and more preferably a fiber mainly containing coconut fiber.

This is because such high-tensile natural fibers have sufficient strength and self-shape retention even if the packing density of the fibers is relatively low. That is, if the packing density of the fibers is increased, the strength is further increased and the self-shape retention is also increased,
On the other hand, the pores (gap) between the fibers become smaller, which hinders the germination and growth of seeds described later. Therefore, the use of high-tensile natural fibers is sufficient to withstand severe environmental conditions such as strong winds. The wide range (allowable range) that can obtain both high strength and self-shape-retaining property and a porosity that is advantageous for seed germination is widened. The self-shape retention property means a property that the fiber itself does not deform, such as unraveling, collapsing, cutting, etc., even without mounting other reinforcing members, packaging materials, or the like.

Although the thickness of the natural fiber depends on its type, it is usually preferably 0.2 to 10.0 denier.

The base material layer 2 preferably carries a binder that bonds the natural fibers together. As a result, the binding force between the fibers is increased, and the strength and self-shape retention are further increased.

As the binder, it is preferable to use a natural adhesive such as glue, zein, gum arabic, natural rubber or starch paste. If the amount is small, for example, thermosetting resin such as phenol resin, resorcin resin, furan resin, urea resin, melamine resin, polyester, polyurethane, epoxy resin, silicone resin, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, etc. Synthetic adhesives containing thermoplastic resins such as polyvinyl butyral, polyacrylic acid ester, and nitrocellulose, various rubbers such as butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber, and neoprene rubber as main components may be used.

The binder can be supported by, for example, impregnating the base layer 2 with a solution or dispersion containing the above binder by dipping, spraying, coating or the like, and then drying.

As shown in FIG. 1, the contact surface (ground contact surface) 25 with the inside of the base material layer 2 and / or the ground G is at least along the surface direction of the mat, for example, grass or various flowers. It is preferable that the seeds 4 are distributed and arranged. When the natural fiber mat 1 is laid on the ground G and the base material layer 2 gets wet due to rainfall or the like, the seeds 4 germinate. The roots from the seeds 4 pass through the pores (fiber gaps) of the base material layer 2 and extend downward (on the side of the ground G), and the shoots from the seeds 4 grow into the pores of the base material layer 2 (fibers). It extends upward through the gap and projects from the surface of the base material layer 2. In this way, the seed 4 roots on the ground G at various places, so that the natural fiber mat 1 is firmly fixed to the ground G. In this case, as described above, the base material layer 2
Since the porosity of the vacancy is sufficiently secured, the germination rate of the seed 4 is extremely high (for example, 70% or more).

It is preferable that the seeds 4 are uniformly distributed in the plane direction, but they may be arranged with a predetermined distribution in the thickness direction of the base material layer 2.

On the inside of the base material layer 2 and / or the contact surface 25 with the ground G, it is preferable to have a nutrient (fertilizer) 5 for promoting the growth of the seed 4.

Examples of the nutrient 5 include organic or inorganic fertilizers containing at least one of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, lime, magnesium, silicic acid, manganese, zinc, copper and the like, and the form thereof is, for example. Solid particles such as granules, powder, scales, and needles are used, but they may be impregnated as a liquid. This nutrient 5 elutes due to rainfall or the like and diffuses to various places in the base material layer 2 to assist the germination of the seed 4 or the growth after germination.

The thickness of the natural fiber mat 1 (total thickness in the case of a laminated body) is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 1 to 35 mm, more preferably about 1.5 to 15 mm, and more preferably 2.0 to 10 mm.
mm is more preferable. If the thickness is too thin, the strength may be insufficient depending on the type of natural fiber and the degree of bonding. If the thickness is too thick, the resistance to germination may depend on the position in the thickness direction of the seed 4. And the germination rate decreases.

As shown in FIG. 1, the natural fiber mat 1 as described above is fixed to the ground G by the fixing member 6 at the initial stage of laying, for example. As the fixing member 6 in this embodiment, for example, a U-shaped pile (spike) made of a metal material is used. The fixing member 6 penetrates the natural fiber mat 1 and is embedded in the ground G, whereby the natural fiber mat 1 is reliably fixed to the ground G. The fixing member 6 may be used as a preliminary or auxiliary fixing means until the seed 4 germinates and the mat is fixed. Also,
The fixing member 6 may be used only when the natural fiber mat 1 is fixed to a steep slope or when it is used in a zone where environmental conditions such as strong wind and heavy rain are particularly severe. Further, the shape and structure of such a fixing member 6 are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. In the natural fiber mat 1B shown in the figure, the base material layer 2 is composed of a laminated body in which a first base material layer 21 and a second base material layer 22 are laminated. In this case, each of the first base material layer 21 and the second base material layer 22 is composed of an aggregate of natural fibers similar to the above, and the same holds for the binder and the like.

In the first base material layer 21 and the second base material layer 22, the types of natural fibers, the aggregate form, the packing density, the layer thickness,
Whether or not the binder is supported or the composition of the binder,
It may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the seeds 4 are arranged between the first base material layer 21 and the second base material layer 22, so that in order to improve the germination rate, the second base material layer is used. It is preferable that the thickness and / or the packing density of 22 be smaller than that of the first base material layer 21.

Such a first base material layer 21 and a second base material layer 2
The seeds 4 similar to those described above are preferably uniformly distributed in the surface direction on the joint surface 23 with the surface 2.

The inside of the first base material layer 21 and the contact surface 25 have the same nutrient 5 as described above.

As an example of the method for producing the natural fiber mat 1B, after the first base material layer 21 containing nutrients and the first base material layer 21 are produced, and the seeds 4 are dispersed and arranged on one side of them. A method of joining and integrating both layers 21 and 22 through the seed 4 is mentioned. In this case, the first base material layer 21 and the second
The joining surface 23 with the base material layer 22 preferably has a binding force by, for example, entanglement of the binder or fibers as described above, or suturing or ligating with a thread or the like. It may be in a state without power.

In such a natural fiber mat 1B, the first
Since the seed 4 is sandwiched and fixed between the base material layer 21 and the second base material layer 22, the seed is prevented from coming off (flowing out due to rainfall, etc.), and the seed 4 in the thickness direction in the base material layer 2 is prevented. Since the position of is constant, there is an advantage that uniform germination is obtained and the germination rate is further improved.

The natural fiber mat 1B can also be fixed to the ground G by the same fixing member 6 as described above.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. In the natural fiber mat 1C shown in the same figure, a water retention layer 3 having water retention properties is joined to the surface of the base material layer 2 on the ground G side. Here, the water retention is
It is the property of being able to maintain a wet state by being impregnated with water.

When the base material layer 2 itself does not have water retention or is poor in water retention, provision of such a water retention layer 3 ensures sufficient water supply to the seeds 4,
The germination rate is further improved.

The water retaining layer 3 is preferably made of a natural material such as the above-mentioned natural fiber. Water retaining layer 3
When is composed of an aggregate of natural fibers, particularly a nonwoven fabric or a woven or knitted fabric as described above, the material (type) and / or packing density (bulk density) of the natural fibers are different from those of the base material layer 3. preferable.

That is, the water retaining layer 3 is not required to have the same strength as the base material layer 3, and the water retaining property is prioritized. Therefore, the natural fibers used for the water retaining layer 3 are pulp (paper raw material), cotton, silk and wool. One or two of :, cellulose short fiber, linter
It is preferable to use a combination of two or more species (mixing, blended spinning, multilayer laminate, etc.). Then, it is preferable to dispose relatively thin fibers with higher density (smaller pore size). The water retaining layer 3 may be made of a natural material other than natural fibers such as leather. The water retaining layer 3 is
When the volume (thickness) of the natural fiber mat is smaller than that of the entire natural fiber mat or when a highly stable material (non-eluting property) is used, synthetic fibers and the like may be contained.

The water retaining layer 3 may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment in order to improve its water retaining property. Examples of the hydrophilic treatment include a method of applying various kinds of surfactants and a method of irradiating with ultraviolet rays and radiation.

The joint surface 33 between the base material layer 2 and the water retaining layer 3 preferably has a binding force by, for example, entanglement of the binder or fibers as described above, or suturing or ligating with a thread or the like. However, it may be in a state where they are simply joined and have no bonding force.

Inside the water retaining layer 3 as described above, seeds 4 similar to those described above are preferably dispersed uniformly in the mat surface direction.

The same nutrient 5 as described above is provided on the inside of the water retaining layer 3 and the contact surface (ground contact surface) 35 with the ground G.

The natural fiber mat 1C can also be fixed to the ground G by the same fixing member 6 as described above.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. A natural fiber mat 1D shown in the figure has a water retention layer 3 similar to that of the natural mat 1C, has the same nutrients 5 as described above inside the water retention layer 3, and has a water retention layer 3 and a base material layer 2 The seeds 4 similar to those described above are preferably uniformly distributed in the mat surface direction on the joint surface 33 with.

In the natural fiber mat 1D as described above, in addition to the above-mentioned advantages of having the water retaining layer 3, the seeds 4 are sandwiched and fixed by the base material layer 2 and the water retaining layer 3, so that the seeds are released (run out due to rainfall). Etc.) and the position of the seed 4 in the layer thickness direction in the natural fiber mat 1D becomes constant, so that there is an advantage that uniform germination is obtained and the germination rate is further improved.

The natural fiber mat 1D can also be fixed to the ground G by the same fixing member 6 as described above.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing another embodiment of the natural fiber mat of the present invention. In the natural fiber mat 1E shown in the figure, the water retention layer 3 includes the first layer 31 and the second layer 3.
It is composed of a laminated body in which 2 and 2 are joined.

The first layer 31 is made of a non-woven fabric made of natural fibers, and the second layer 32 is made of a net-like body (mesh, net, etc.) made of natural fibers. in this case,
Preferable examples of the natural fibers forming the first layer 31 and the second layer 32 are the same as those described in the natural fiber mat 1C.

Joining surface 3 of first layer 31 and second layer 32
The seeds 4 similar to those described above are preferably dispersed and arranged in the surface direction 4 uniformly in the surface direction.

At least one of the first layer 31 and the second layer 32 carries the above-mentioned nutrient (fertilizer). In this case, the nutrient is either impregnated as a liquid in the layer or it has been dried. The first layer 31, the second layer 32, the bonding surface 34, and the layers 31, 32
It goes without saying that the solid nutrients described above may be placed therein.

At least one of the first layer 31 and the second layer 32 is required to have water retention, and at least the first layer
It is preferable that the layer 31 of 1 has a water retention property.

The first layer 31 and the second layer 32 may be the same or different in kind, aggregate form, packing density, layer thickness, etc. of natural fibers. In this embodiment, the first
In order to have more excellent water retention property in the layer 31 of, the thickness and / or the packing density of the second layer 32 on the base material layer 2 side are
It is preferably smaller than the first layer 31.

Joining surface 3 of first layer 31 and second layer 32
It is preferable that 4 has a binding force by, for example, entanglement of the binder or fibers as described above, or by suturing or ligating with a thread or the like, but it is in a state where it is simply joined and has no binding force. May be.

In such a natural fiber mat 1E, the first
Since the seed 4 is sandwiched and fixed by the layer 31 and the second layer 32, separation of the seed (runoff due to rainfall, etc.) is prevented, and the position of the seed 4 in the layer thickness direction in the base material layer 2 is prevented. Is constant, the uniform germination is obtained, and the germination rate is further improved. Furthermore, natural fiber mat 1
E can be manufactured by simply joining the first layer 31 and the second layer 32 via the seed 4 to produce the water retention layer 3 and then joining the water retaining layer 3 with the base material layer 2, and the production is easy.

The natural fiber mat 1E can also be fixed to the ground G by the same fixing member 6 as described above.

The natural fiber mat of the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these, and for example, the contact surfaces 25 and 35, the joint surfaces 23, 33 and 34 can be used. , On the upper surface of the base material layer 2 (the surface on the side opposite to the ground G), etc., for example, a protective layer, an intermediate layer, a binder layer (adhesive layer), a seed carrier layer, a nutrient carrier layer, a seed or nutrient fixed layer, or One or more layers for any purpose such as a guide layer may be provided.

In the case of the natural mat of the present invention having no seed, it is possible to lay the seed on the ground and then lay the natural mat, but even in this case, a high germination rate is obtained for the same reason as above. can get.

The natural fiber mat of the present invention is used in various sports facilities such as a ski slope, a golf course, a soccer field, a field athletic field, or other grounds, mountain slopes, river banks, banks, beach areas, and the like. It can be used anywhere such as land development, farms, ranches, around fields, home gardens, etc.

[0068]

As described above, according to the natural fiber mat of the present invention, it is possible to prevent rainwater from flowing down intensively, to prevent the erosion and movement of the soil surface, and to keep the ground warm and moisturize. It can stabilize the growth base, suppress the movement of seed manure of plants and plants, and improve the germination rate of the seeds in the mat or other seeds, thus contributing to the promotion of greening.

In particular, the natural fiber mat of the present invention has sufficient strength and self-shape-retaining property, and therefore, even under severe environmental conditions such as strong winds and heavy rain, the natural fibers are unraveled, crumbled, and matted. No curling (peeling), damage, breakage, etc. Moreover, while maintaining the above sufficient strength and self-shape retention, since the base material layer has a sufficient open area ratio, it does not inhibit the buds and roots of germinated seeds from growing, and a high germination rate is obtained. To be

Since it is composed of natural fibers, it has excellent compatibility with soil, does not continuously elute harmful substances as in the case of using synthetic resins, is harmless and safe, and is vegetative. Is stable, and when it becomes green, it corrodes and is embedded and fused in the soil, so there is no need for recovery or replacement, which is favorable for environmental protection.

Further, in the case of the natural fiber mat of the present invention having seeds, sowing is unnecessary and construction is easy. In addition, the seed is rooted on the ground, whereby the natural fiber mat is firmly fixed and the above-mentioned effect is enhanced. In particular, when seeds are interposed between the layers, the seeds are prevented from flowing away due to running water due to rainfall or the like, and uniform germination can be obtained.

If the natural fiber mat has nutrients,
Seed germination and growth are supported by the nutrients, and greening can be promoted without separately applying fertilizer.

In addition, when the water retention layer is provided, sufficient water supply to the seeds is secured, and the germination rate is further improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a natural fiber mat of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing an example of a natural fiber mat of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the natural fiber mat of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the natural fiber mat of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the natural fiber mat of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1A-1E Natural fiber mat 2 Base material layer 21 First base material layer 22 Second base material layer 23 Bonding surface 25 Contact surface 3 Water retaining layer 31 First layer 32 Second layer 33, 34 Bonding surface 35 Contact surface 4 Seed 5 Nutrient (fertilizer) 6 Fixing member

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Makio Nagai 4-6-14 Taihei, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Inside the stock company sink

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A natural fiber mat laid on the ground, comprising a porous substrate layer comprising at least one aggregate of natural fibers, the substrate layer being self-shaped by itself. A natural fiber mat having retention properties. 2. The natural fiber mat according to claim 1, wherein the natural fiber is a high-strength natural fiber. 3. The natural fiber mat according to claim 1, wherein the base material layer is made of a non-woven fabric or a woven / knitted fabric of natural fibers. 4. The natural fiber mat according to claim 1, further comprising a binder that bonds the natural fibers to each other in the base material layer. 5. The natural fiber mat according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having seeds dispersedly arranged at least in a plane direction inside the base material layer and / or on the ground side surface. 6. The natural fiber mat according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inside of the base material layer and / or the surface on the ground side has a nutrient for promoting seed development. 7. The packing density of the natural fiber in the base material layer is such that it does not prevent seed germination through the base material layer and is strong enough to withstand harsh conditions in an outdoor environment. The natural fiber mat according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has been adjusted to the extent of having it. 8. The natural fiber mat according to claim 1, wherein at least one water-retaining layer having water-retaining property is joined to the surface of the base material layer on the ground side. 9. The natural fiber mat according to claim 8, wherein the water retaining layer is made of a natural material. 10. The natural fiber mat according to claim 8, wherein the water retention layer is composed of an aggregate of natural fibers having a different material and / or packing density from the natural fibers constituting the base material layer. 11. The water retention layer is formed by joining a first layer made of a nonwoven fabric made of natural fibers and a second layer made of a mesh made of natural fibers. 8. The natural fiber mat according to item 8. 12. The natural fiber mat according to claim 8, wherein seeds are dispersedly arranged at least in a plane direction inside the water retaining layer and / or on the surface on the side of the base material layer. 13. The natural fiber mat according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the water retention layer and / or the surface on the ground side has a nutrient that promotes seed development.