Coconut fibre insulators: The hygrothermal behaviour in the case of green roofs

Fabbri, Kristian; Tronchin, Lamberto; Barbieri, F.

doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121026

Cited by 23 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Hence, IMSWAs with a size of 0.7 cm had acceptable capacity to horizontally pass a great amount of water for a GR system. the IMSWA can be considered as a promising material for the GR drainage layer and improving the GR thermal resistance and insulating properties Fabbri et al ( 2021 ) The study assessed the hygrothermal behavior of GRs equipped with coconut fiberboard as insulation material Coconut fiber Insulator Coconut fiber was equally comparable to natural and synthetic materials. Although coconut fibers are mainly found in Asian, Mexico, South America, the preparation process for coconut fiber has a small footprint …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable green roofs: a comprehensive review of influential factors

Shahmohammad

Hosseinzadeh

Dvorak

et al. 2022

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Green roofs have gained much attention as a modern roofing surface due to their potential to deliver many environmental and social benefits. Studies have indicated that different GR designs deliver different ecosystem services, and there are important factors that affect GR performance. This article reviewed significant factors that influence GR performance and sustainability. Substrate and drainage layer material choice significantly affects stormwater retention potential, leachate quality, plant survival, and determines GR environmental footprints. Subsequently, type of plants, their form, and kinds used on GRs impact GR ecosystem function. Leaf area is the most studied trait due to its influence on the cooling potential and energy performance. In order to achieve a sustainable GR, it is essential to select the type of plants that have a high survival rate. Perennial herbs, particularly forbs and grass as dominant groups, are heat and drought tolerant, which make them suitable in GR experiment. Furthermore, selecting a suitable irrigation system is as important as two other factors for having a sustainable GR. Irrigation is essential for plant survival, and due to the current pressure on valuable water sources, it is important to select a sustainable irrigation system. This review presents three sustainable irrigation methods: (i) employing alternative water sources such as rainwater, greywater, and atmospheric water; (ii) smart irrigation and monitoring; and (iii) using adaptive materials and additives that improve GR water use. This review sheds new insights on the design of high-performance, sustainable GRs and provides guidance for the legislation of sustainable GR.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable green roofs: a comprehensive review of influential factors

Shahmohammad

Hosseinzadeh

Dvorak

et al. 2022

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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“…This material was only tested against both subterranean termite species, and their behaviors were different, as the survival rate of R. flavipes was significantly lower than the controls, while R. grassei did not show this effect (Figure 5). Coconut fibers are currently being studied for composites and for another bio-based material development, and its moisture resistance has been noted as one of their advantageous characteristics [38]. Subterranean termites are dependent on a high moisture content of the materials they thrive in, and since the behavior of coconut fibers towards moisture is contrary to the needs of the termites, its presence may negatively impact termite survival rates.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insulation Materials Susceptibility to Biological Degradation Agents: Molds and Subterranean Termites

Nunes,

Duarte,

Parracha

et al. 2023

Applied Sciences

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Insulation materials are fundamental for decreasing energy losses and guaranteeing thermal and acoustic comfort in buildings, which may significantly contribute to decreasing the energy consumption related with poor thermal building conditions. These insulation materials should have a low susceptibility to biological degradation agents to decrease the risks of degradation of other construction materials, as well as decrease possible health risks related with the development of noxious biological degradation agents regarding indoor air quality, for example, or decrease possible structural risks posed by those agents. The present study aimed at evaluating the susceptibility of several insulation materials to mold growth and subterranean termites’ attack. Insulation materials, including expanded polystyrene (EPS), mineral wool (MW), and expanded cork agglomerate (ICB), were tested against mold development, using maritime pine as a control. Three types of inoculations were made: (1) natural indoor inoculation; (2) artificial inoculation using Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum; and (3) artificial inoculation using Aureobasidium pullulans. The susceptibility of the insulation materials referred to, plus wood/glass fiber (WGF), was evaluated for two subterranean termite species: Reticulitermes grassei and Reticulitermes flavipes. The expanded cork agglomerate showed a higher susceptibility to molds than the other insulation materials tested. The remaining materials revealed a good performance, showing no growth or traces of growth of molds. All the materials tested showed susceptibility to subterranean termites, with both species being able to cross them to obtain access to the wood. However, wood/glass fiber showed a negative effect, which translated into lower survival rates and attack degrees of the wood. Some tested materials showed a good resistance to the development of biological degradation agents, namely an organic material (coconut fiber), a composite of organic and inorganic materials (WGF), and an inorganic material (EPS). These results indicate that it is possible to pursue the development of innovative and effective insulation materials with a low susceptibility to biological degradation agents, regardless of their organic or inorganic origin.

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“…Coconut fibers can be used as loose-fill insulation in the cores of masonry walls or as mats or boards on concrete slabs' top or inner surfaces. However, coconut thermal insulation has some limitations, such as low compressive strength, high flammability, and possible degradation by microorganisms or insects [68][69][70].…”

Section: Coconutmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mycelium-Based Thermal Insulation for Domestic Cooling Footprint Reduction: A Review

Al-Qahtani,

Koç,

Isaifan

2023

Sustainability

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Domestic cooling demands in arid and hot climate regions, including Qatar, induce a significant challenge to reduce the area’s cooling energy consumption and carbon footprint, primarily due to the heavy reliance on electricity-intensive air conditioning systems. The inadequacy and inefficiency of conventional construction and insulation materials and their improper implementation further exacerbate this issue. Considering such challenges, this research comprehensively evaluates an unconventional and innovative solution recently proposed for this purpose: mycelium-based thermal insulation. Mycelium is the vegetative, thread-like structure of fungi, consisting of a network of branching hyphae that facilitate nutrient absorption and environmental interactions. This review paper analyses mycelium-based composites, focusing on their mechanical, physical, and chemical characterization. It also explores the potential of mycelium as a sustainable solution for indoor temperature regulation, particulate matter absorption, and bioremediation. Moreover, this review examines various available insulation materials and highlights the unique advantages offered by mycelium-based composites. As a result, the literature review indicates that mycelium exhibits exceptional thermal and acoustic insulation properties owing to its low thermal conductivity, favorable water absorption coefficient, porous structure, and considerable mechanical strength. This porous architecture facilitates efficient air purification, improving indoor air quality. Additionally, mycelium shows promise in actively degrading pollutants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides in soil and water.

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Coconut fibre insulators: The hygrothermal behaviour in the case of green roofs

Cited by 23 publications

References 48 publications

Sustainable green roofs: a comprehensive review of influential factors

Sustainable green roofs: a comprehensive review of influential factors

Insulation Materials Susceptibility to Biological Degradation Agents: Molds and Subterranean Termites

Mycelium-Based Thermal Insulation for Domestic Cooling Footprint Reduction: A Review

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