THE POTENTIAL OF AN ALTERNATIVE INSULATION BOARD FROM WASTE MATERIALS (COCONUT COIR, ABACA FIBERS, SAWDUST AND RECYCLED DENIM FABRIC)

Abstract

Foam insulation has been widely used worldwide due to its affordability compared to other insulation materials. However, it is not environmentally friendly, as it is made of plastic and contributes to environmental harm. This study aimed to develop a thermal insulation material that is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective by utilizing recycled waste materials. An experimental research method was employed in this study. The researchers conducted thermal performance and durability tests by installing the insulation material inside a box and continuously measuring the internal air temperature using a thermometer. For the flammability test, a blowtorch was used to determine the material’s resistance to fire. Additionally, the insulation boards were submerged in water for a specified duration, allowed to drip dry, and then weighed to assess their water absorption properties. The results showed that the developed bio-insulation exhibited a mean average temperature that was 3.7 °C lower than foam insulation during the house model test. In the flammability test, the bio-insulation began to char when exposed to direct blowtorch flame but did not ignite. Even under forced burning, only charred remains were observed, and no ignition occurred. In the water absorption test, the bio-insulation absorbed water equivalent to 132.8% of its dry weight, compared to foam insulation, which absorbed water equivalent to 170% of its dry weight. The findings indicate that the developed bio-insulation has strong potential as an alternative insulation material. Unlike foam insulation, which emits toxic smoke when burned due to its plastic composition, the bio-insulation produced smoke similar to that of burning wood. However, the water absorption results suggest that the bio-insulation requires further improvement, as it absorbed more water than expected, whereas foam insulation exhibited negligible water absorption. Cost analysis revealed that the alternative insulation costs approximately PHP 36.25 per square meter, compared to commercially available insulation priced between PHP 30–40 per square meter. Overall, recycled denim fabric, coconut coir, sawdust, and abaca fibers demonstrate viability as materials for producing a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative insulation board.