Implementation of composite paper-based coating for reducing room temperature under galvalume roofing

Abstract

The increasing amount of paper waste can be enhanced in its utility by transforming it into composites to utilize it as a technology for coating metal roofs to absorb heat. Various paper types have been proven to reduce heat inside the room below when applied to Galvalume roofs. Therefore, multiple types of paper waste are highly suitable for metal roof coatings. This research investigates whether differences in the types of paper mixed with epoxy and applied to the surface of Galvalume roofs will affect the temperature reduction inside the room. These differences in paper types also affect the level of thermal conductivity when measured with the same instruments and dimensions. Data were obtained by mixing small-sized cut paper materials and layering them on Galvalume sheets with the help of epoxy as an adhesive. The temperature data collection process was conducted by preparing 6 boxes with 4 thermocouples supplemented with thermal imaging testing. To broaden the analysis, images of the roof were also taken and analyzed for color to assess the extent of sunlight absorption and reflection on the roof. Four thermocouples were placed 20cm above the roof, above the composite, below the Galvalume, and 40cm below the roof or inside the room. Thermal conductivity data were analyzed separately and integrated with roof color data, further corroborated with temperature data collected by the thermocouples. The four sensors can determine the temperature inside and around the room, focusing on the temperature around the installed composite roof. The analysis shows that adding paper and epoxy-based composites can reduce the thermal conductivity of Galvalume roofs and lower the temperature inside the room below it. Compared to a Galvalume roof without coating, the composite coating with cardboard paper is the most effective, with an estimated average room temperature reduction of 1.9 degrees Celsius. For reducing the air temperature above the roof, the newspaper coating is the best choice, with an estimated average temperature decrease of 2.6 degrees Celsius