The Application of Coconut Fiber as Insulation Ceiling Board in Building Construction

Abstract

This study considers the applications of natural fiber composites in affordable housing projects located in Malaysia with the goal of addressing issues of the thermal comfort. Roof thermal insulation is one of the effective methods that can save cooling energy in places with an equatorial climate especially in Malaysia. The use of recycled products or industrial waste materials is now a potential trend in the industry. Therefore, natural fiber was chosen as a material for the ceiling board in this study. During the day, heat can enter the room from the roof so that insulation material is needed to reduce heat flux by maintaining the temperature of the building. The problems faced by consumers are cost increases due to the use of large amounts of electricity. Besides, asbestos use becoming less frequent because the government has banned its use as a ceiling, side panels, roofing material, asbestos cement-pipes, many types of fireproof and insulation material. The objectives of this study was to determine the mechanical and physical properties of coconut fiber with fire retardant paint as a thermal comfort for ceiling board. The next objective is to study the percentage difference in sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride during the treatment of coconut fiber. The data result is that the fiber is ideal as an insulating material for the house ceiling board because it has a low temperature quality of 0.225W. The water absorption value was as high as 11.20% which is slightly lower than previous studies. Finally, the density test has a value of 74.23 kg / m3 where the fibers are lighter than the other fibers even after immersion with different sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride. In addition, this study achieved a house ceiling that could help reduce the heat entering the house by 0.225W which used only a thickness of 10mm. The use of these fibers does not need the thickness between 20 mm or 40 mm. Therefore, it successfully lowered home electricity consumption in hot weather. It was found that the difference in temperature drop between 0 % and 3 % was 0.4W.

Investigation of acoustic, mechanical, thermal, and moisture properties of milled alkali‐treated coconut tree secondary flower leaf stalk fiber‐reinforced polymer composite

“…As a result of alkaline treatment, the fiber surface forms a matrix‐reinforced lock. The purpose of this treatment is to stop crack propagation during the impact test, and the impact strength of the composite is directly related to the bond strength between the fiber and the matrix 25 …”

“…After the samples were taken from the water, their weight was recorded. The percentage of water absorption in the composite materials was calculated using Equation 25 where M 2 = initial dry weight of the composites, M 1 = wet weight of the sample after a specific interval of the time in the water.…”

“…The percentage of water absorption in the composite materials was calculated using Equation 1. 25 Water absorption% ¼…”

“…The surface structure of the crushed composite indenter was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) through a German Carl ZEISS EVO 18 operating in secondary electron (SE) and electron backscatter (BSD) modes. 25 4 | RESULTS AND DISCUSSION…”

Thermal-Energy Performance of Bulk Insulation Coupled with High-Albedo Roof Tiles in Urban Pitched Residential Roof Assemblies in the Hot, Humid Climate

“…Bulk insulation can be installed in the residential roof assembly to improve thermal performance owing to the presence of miniature air spaces that hinder heat conduction [11], which can potentially reduce the intensity and duration of the operation of air conditioners by the occupants [12]. Innovations pertaining to bulk insulation materials have been proposed by, among others, Husna et al [13] and Ismail et al [14], who adopted nano-materials that possess ultra-low thermal conductivity, as well as Nuruddin et al [15], Farhan et al [16] and Omar et al [17], who adopted natural fibers, which are greener than synthetic fibers. Although bulk insulation has great potential in improving the thermal-energy performance of the roof assembly, its rate of adoption in Malaysia is still low [18].…”