RICE STRAW (ORYZA SATIVA) AS AN ALTERNATIVE CELLULOSE THERMAL INSULATING BOARD

Abstract

One of the continuing global concerns today is climate change, particularly global warming. Insulation boards are widely used and have become essential due to their benefits in providing safety and comfort within residential spaces. Oryza sativa, commonly known as rice straw, is an eco-friendly and natural resource that is abundant in the Philippines. Rice straw is considered a viable source of thermal insulation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate rice straw as an insulation board to reduce heat exposure. The researchers sought to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of the product and its advantages. An experimental research design was employed in this study. A systematic approach was used to determine the effectiveness of rice straw insulation boards through standardized tests, including thermal conductivity testing, fire resistance testing, durability assessment under cyclic environmental changes, and water absorption testing. These evaluations were conducted to establish the effectiveness and sustainability of rice straw as an insulating material. The researchers examined rice straw as an alternative cellulose thermal insulating board. The experimental board underwent fire resistance, durability, thermal, and water absorption tests. The results indicated that the rice straw board was effective based on the outcomes of these evaluations. The study demonstrated that rice straw can function as an alternative cellulose-based thermal insulating board. Based on the conducted fire resistance, durability, thermal, and water absorption tests, the rice straw board showed effectiveness as an insulating material, supporting its potential application in construction.