St. Louis School of Don Bosco Inc.

Dumaguete city

"Use and Impact of Recycled Materials for Thermal Insulations"

Czar Andrie J Cruz

Ma. Paola Katrice A. Renacia

Kate Princess A. Mongcopa

Cale Maurise E Catalan

Reneé Eugenie A. Tan

Ned Edrielle Villacampa

Researchers

Sr. Loyd Gaudia

Research Adviser

November 2023
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The goal of thermal Insulation is to help reduce household energy consumption and to

extend the thermal comfort generate by heating and cooling appliances. Conventional

isolations may be not exactly accessible for most people to all sectors despite their

benefits, paper presents and evaluates and substitute to the more expensive thermal

insulators as it is cheap and its other variants like polystyrene, waste packaging,

cementations binder, plastic additives, and water. These materials can compare or

similar performances to commercially modern insulation. The reason to use these

materials is to provide and environmentally safe and cheap yet effective alternative

for people that can’t afford modern thermal insulators (Reynoso, Laura & Romero,

Ángeles & Viegas, Graciela & Juan, Gustavo. 2021)

Research done by Jon Gabriel Rodriquez

The construction industry, known for its substantial energy consumption (materials

and energy), significant pollution (CO2 emissions), and waste generation, is actively

exploring sustainable building practices. In order to find solutions to this problem,

authors get involved in researching for aggregates with lower energy consumption

and the utilization of industrial products. ( Mourad Chikhi, Boudjemaa Agoudjil,

Abderrahim Boudenne, Abdelkader Gherabli, Volume 66 2013) Utilizing natural

fibers offers numerous benefits, including their derivation from renewable resources
and low energy inputs during manufacturing. A significant advantage lies in their

easy disposal at the conclusion of their life cycle, achieved through composting or

extracting their calorific value in a furnace—a feature not possible with glass

fibers. Khedari et al. introduced an economical board for thermal insulating

composites using a blend of durian peel and coconut coir, featuring reduced thermal

conductivity. This board proved effective in energy conservation when employed as a

material for ceiling and wall insulation. Xu et al. presented a low-density binderless

composite derived from kenaf core, exhibiting thermal conductivity comparable to

traditional insulation materials like rock wool. Ashour et al, innovated a low-density,

low thermal conductivity biocomposite by incorporating wheat straw, barley straw,

and wood shavings into gypsum-based materials for use as insulating building

materials. Their findings underscored the significant impact of reinforcement fibers

on thermal conductivity.

Research done by Ned Villacampa

In order to furthermore enhance the energy efficiency of buildings sustainably, it is

beneficial to integrate recycled materials with lower thermal conductivity into

cementitious composites, thereby improving their thermal properties. Utilizing

recycled materials in these composites contributes to a decreased carbon footprint,

minimizes environmental impact from extensive mining, preserves raw materials, and

lowers energy consumption. Additionally, employing various recycled materials in

cementitious composites offers advantages such as reduced structural dead load and
lower costs. In another study conducted by Adeyemi Adesina (2021), the researcher

concluded the incorporation of waste materials into these composites not only lowers

density but also enhances thermal properties, leading to a reduction in the cross-

section of elements and corresponding cost savings and decreased overall structural

dead load.

Research by Kate Princess Mangcopa

Thermal insulation materials used in buildings are typically categorized as either

organic or inorganic based on their constituents. While organic materials boast

impressive thermal insulation properties, their limited fire resistance and resistance to

high temperatures constrain their usability. In recent years, there has been

considerable interest in inorganic lightweight thermal insulation materials

characterized by high porosity, robust strength, low thermal conductivity, and

exceptional performance at elevated temperatures. In this experiment conducted by

the researchers, Mengbo Pan, Xiang Li, Xiaopeng Wu, Fei Zhao & Chengliang

Ma (2022) Lightweight thermal insulation materials were effectively manufactured

through a high-temperature micro-foaming technique at 1200°C, employing granite

waste as the primary raw material and SiC as the foaming agent. The study delves

into the macrostructure, microstructure, as well as the room temperature and high-

temperature performance of the thermal insulation material. In contrast to other

studies focusing on thermal insulation materials with ensured low thermal

conductivity, the materials developed in this research exhibit superior compressive

strength and enhanced high-temperature performance. Consequently, these materials

possess a broader spectrum of applications.

Research done by Cale Maurise Catalan

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in bio-based insulation

materials within both the industry and scientific communities. This is primarily

attributed to their noteworthy benefits, including sustainability, renewability,

biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness. Research indicates that insulation materials

derived from agricultural waste exhibit apparent density and thermal conductivity

levels comparable to those of traditional insulation materials like cork, polyurethane,

expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), mineral wool, and

cellulose. (Jemi Merrin Mathews, B. Vivek, Meghana Charde 2023)

Research done by Jon Gabriel Rodriquez

When it comes to energy conservation, it’s important to note that buildings not only

impact the environment during their use but also based on the energy performance of

the materials used in their construction. In a study done by researchers, they have

concluded that in response to this need, there is a growing trend of utilizing

agricultural and industrial wastes, as well as natural fibers, as insulation materials.

( Biyada, S.; Merzouki, M.; Urbonavičius, 2023) These alternatives offer an eco-

friendly option and are cost-effective, addressing concerns associated with the end-of-
life cycle. Utilizing natural materials and agricultural or industrial waste as insulation

offers several benefits. Their paper revealed that firstly, these materials can be easily

recycled at the end of a building's life cycle, requiring minimal energy and labor. The

recycled material finds applications in diverse areas, including packaging and cement

mixing for reduced weight. Most importantly, these materials are biodegradable,

contributing to the production of bioenergy and serving as biofertilizers for plants,

enhancing soil quality by improving air circulation and moisture control.

Research done by Ma. Paola Katrice A. Renacia

In light of the depletion caused by the excessive use of natural resources, it is crucial

to adeptly transform waste byproducts, including industrial and agricultural waste,

into valuable commodities. Thermal insulators can be made from waste materials that

have characteristics similar to those of wood. The panels' improved thermal

efficiency can be attributed to their lighter weight, more porous materials, and void-

filled insulation layer. When compared to conventional insulation materials, natural

materials exhibit superior efficiency and better environmental characteristics.

Because they absorb less heat radiation, materials with glazed surfaces provide higher

thermal insulation. The building's thermal conditioning is enhanced by low thermal

conductivity. The simplicity of usage, little negative effects on health, and energy-

efficient manufacturing are benefits of employing a by-product. Recycling garbage is

a more economical and efficient use of time. Every thermal conductivity

measurement technique has advantages and disadvantages; the most appropriate,

efficient, affordable, and time-efficient approach must be chosen.

(N.Sooriyalakshmi,2023 pp: 59-65)

Research done By Cale (2)

In addition to energy conservation goals, the imperative to optimize the energy

performance of buildings has been underscored by scientific and public discussions

focusing on urban environmental quality. The experiment conducted by A. Niachou

(2001) focuses on the examination of thermal properties and the energy performance

of green roofs. The presence of ample green surfaces in densely populated urban

areas is crucial to counteract uncomfortable (or potentially hazardous) heat island

effects and prevent unnecessary energy consumption for building climate control.

Unfortunately, the increasing trend of ground speculation in city centers is leading to

the disappearance of planted surfaces. Consequently, transforming flat roof surfaces

into green spaces emerges as an effective and stabilizing choice. Adequate thermal

protection can significantly diminish the substantial thermal loads experienced by

buildings during the summer months. Their analysis of their experiment is that the

surface temperature of the green roof varies depending on the type of vegetation

present in different locations.

Research done by Ned Villacampa

Another study about thermal characterization of recycled materials for building

insulation revealed the results of the researcher’s experimental exploration into

innovative materials distinguished by the incorporation of locally sourced natural and

recycled elements, aiming to deliver commendable thermal performance with a

reduced environmental footprint. (Majumder, A.; Canale, L.; Mastino, C.C.; Pacitto,

A.; Frattolillo, A.; Dell’Isola, M. 2021, 14, 3564.) Samples were crafted using

Sardinian raw materials, including wool fibers, furniture, and chair padding, hemp

shives, jute fiber sourced from recycled jute bags, opus signinum, and clay extracted

locally in central Sardinia. Numerical simulations confirmed that the incorporation of

natural fibers consistently enhances the energy performance of the building envelope

during winter compared to traditional plaster. Additionally, they discovered the

utilization of jute in constructing insulating panels, albeit not achieving the same

performance as hemp shives, demonstrated promising outcomes, with conductivity

values consistently below 0.162 W/(m⋅K)

Research by Ma. Paola Katrice A. Renacia

While the application and advantages of insulation in above-ground settings are

extensively documented, there is a scarcity of information regarding insulation in the

context of underground construction. An investigation was conducted by James L.

Hanson, Kevin B. Kopp, Nazli Yesiller, Craig M. Cooledge, and Emily Klee which

centered on the use of recycled materials for thermal insulations in underground

construction. Underground facilities, such as warehouses, benefit from stable thermal

conditions, leading to decreased heating and cooling needs. The analysis considered

three climate scenarios: cold, temperate, and arid. To maintain specific target

temperatures, heating and cooling energy requirements were determined. Various

insulation materials, including those derived from waste, were examined. Their study

compared simulations using conventional XPS insulation and no insulation with those

using shredded tires and waste textiles. The heating energy demands ranged from 0 to

268.0 GJ/year, while the cooling energy demands varied between 3.1 and 1491.5

GJ/year. The findings indicated that recycled waste materials effectively served as

insulation. Notably, textile waste materials demonstrated insulation performance on

par with or surpassing conventional insulation, suggesting their potential viability for

thermal insulation in underground construction application.

Research by Reneé Eugenie Tan

In Peshawar city and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, Pakistan, are facing the

extreme effects of climate change and the study done by Mushtaq Ahmad, Miram Ali,

Jamshid Ali Turi, Aneel Manan, Rayeh Nasr Salam Al-Dala’ien, and Khalid Rashid

addresses the challenges of unplanned development and its impact on thermal

discomfort in residential buildings in Peshawar city and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

province. Their research explores sustainable development strategies and the use of

thermally insulating materials to reduce energy consumption and enhance thermal

comfort in buildings. A parametric study was conducted to determine the most

suitable insulator material and optimal location for a thermal insulation layer on the

building's roof, aiming to enhance indoor thermal comfort during both summer and

winter. Insulation materials such as straw bale, sheep wool, and recycled glass,

known for their lower conductivity and local availability. Computational fluid

dynamics simulations assess the impact of these materials on indoor temperature,

considering factors like daily average temperature, thermal amplitude, time lag, and

duration of comfort.

Research by Reneé Eugenie Tan and Czar Cruz (Same article)

METHODOLOGY

The primary objective of this experiment is to conduct a comprehensive

analysis of the thermal characteristics exhibited by recycled materials. In

pursuit of this goal, we will systematically compare four distinct recycled

materials to assess their thermal performance. The methodology employed in

this experiment is designed to emulate the principles utilized in the insulation

of water bottles, allowing us to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of

these recycled materials in thermal insulation applications.

 Materials:

For this experiment we gathered three (3) materials that will be put in a test,

this include a recycled expanded polystyrene, an aluminum foil and a

newspaper. We will also be preparing a thermometer, ruler, paper cutter,

transparent tape, a cardboard, scissors, a steel container, and a water heater,

and lastly four (4) pieces of plastic bottle (1000ml) and five (8) smaller size of

a plastic bottle (500ml),

Procedure:

-We will cut the larger plastic bottles about one-third from the cap, using a

paper cutter and scissors. Ensuring that the length of the large containers is

slightly higher, at least measuring 3cm, than the smaller bottles.

-Place the four (4) small water bottles inside the large bottles that have

already been cut. Label each larger bottle as Thermal Flask 1, Thermal

Flask 2, Thermal Flask 3, and Thermal Flask 4.

Next, position another four (4) smaller bottles beside these thermal

flasks, and consider them our control set-up.

-Heat 500ml of water per thermal flask to approximately 60 degrees

Celsius. For Thermal Flask 1, place it beside its control set-up and pour hot

water up to their brim.

-Using a thermometer, record the temperature of the water in both

Thermal Flask 1 and the control set-up. Close the control set-up bottle
airtight with the cap, and cover the Thermal Flask 1 bottle with a cardboard

measuring about 10cm x 10cm.

-Ensure that the initial temperature of the water in both bottles and the

time intervals for measuring the temperature in both bottles are the same.

-Leave it for an hour, noting and checking the change in temperature every

10 minutes.

-For our Thermal flask 2, we will be testing the newspaper, we tear it into

small pieces, each size 10cm x 10cm. We then crumple the news paper into a

small ball.

-Fill in the space between the outer container and the inner container with

these crumbled news paper. We then follow the procedures we did with our

Thermal flask 1.

- For our Thermal flask 3, we will be using a recycled expanded polystyrene.

We fill the space between the outer container and inner container with crushed

polystyrene. Afterwards, we follow the procedures we did with our Thermal

flask 1.

-For our Thermal flask 4, we will using an aluminum foil and cover our small

water bottle with it. We will then tear the aluminum foil into pieces, each size

10cm x 10cm and crumple them into a small ball. We fill the space between

the outer container and inner container with these balls and follow the

procedures we did with Thermal flask 1.

 - When we have gathered all of our data, we can decide which material was the

best insulator by identifying which material had the smallest temperature change.

Done by Ma. Paola Katrice A. Renacia

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS