Coconut Fiber Cement Panels as Wall Insulation and Structural Diaphragm

Abstract

This study considers the applications of natural fiber composites in affordable housing projects located in the two districts of Gujarat, India, and Gorkha, Nepal, with the goal of addressing issues of thermal comfort and lateral loading from seismic activity. To help alleviate some of these issues, the team worked with the Hunnarshala Foundation, in Bhuj, India, to develop a fiber cement composite that could be applied to the interior or exterior of a home and provide both insulative and structural improvements. Thermal conductivity of the composites comprised of various mixes were measured using a heat flux machine. Experimental results of 0.16-0.19 W/m•K showed an improvement in thermal conductivity compared to current wall cladding materials ranging from 1.60 to 1.88 W/m•K. Modeling of the building envelope was completed using the EnergyPlus TM tool and showed that homes using the fiber cement composites would have an overall reduction in heating and cooling requirements. The study used coconut husk fibers (referred to as coconut coir), rattan, and pine wood fibers in addition to Portland cement, fly ash, and hydrated lime in the fabrication of fiber cement composite samples. Flexural strength of natural fiber samples was 70% stronger than comparison specimens, suggesting possible application for wall cladding to reduce out-of-plane failure during seismic events. Field tests conducted in Gujarat validated lab results as well as qualitative perceptions of the material. Continued work with local partners presents several possible applications of coconut coir fiber cement composites for retrofit and new construction housing.

Turning the Cocopith Waste into Myceliated Biocomposite to Make an Insulator

“…Biocomposite thermal conductivity testing using a testing device in the form of a guarded hot-plates system is operated by referring to ASTM C177-04 [ 11 ]. Thermal conductivity is calculated as follows: …”

“…The use of coconut fiber thermal panels as wall insulation in people's homes in Nepal provides energy savings due to the reduction in carbon emissions resulting from burning wood in the house for heating. Energy savings during winter in Bhuj are around 6%–11% in a year which is equivalent to 964 kwh [ 11 ].…”

Tropically Adapted Passive Building: A Descriptive-Analytical Approach Using Multiple Linear Regression and Probability Models to Predict Indoor Temperature

“…Sustainable biopolymer composites have been researched with the use of organic fibers like coir [6,7]. A coir-cement composite used as an insulator was found to reduce thermal conductivity by 0.16-0.19 W/mK [8]. Further, induced ventilation techniques including solar chimney and air vents are beneficial to exhaust hot air from the building at a quick rate.…”

Recent Progress in the Application of Coconut and Palm Oil Fibres in Cement-Based Materials

“…They revealed that natural fibre had an eligible mechanical property as that of reinforcement materials. In recent years, there have been some research studies on applications of coconut and palm oil fibres such as wall panelling systems [13], wall insulation [14], cement boards partition [15], slabs [16], tiles bricks, internal and external wall, cabinet [17], hollow blocks [18], and wall coating for improving thermal properties [19]. However, no examples of the practical use of natural fibres in the construction industry and evidence that natural fibres have a high potential in terms of physical and mechanical properties are provided.…”