Characterization of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Foam for Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption Applications in Buildings

Exploring new construction materials with low environmental impact leads to innovation in buildings and also to the expansion of environmental sustainability in the construction industry. In this perspective, the thermal insulation and the sound absorption performances of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) foam were analyzed for potential application in buildings. This material is of plant origin, it is natural, renewable, abundant, and has a low environmental impact. In this research, characterizations were made by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), apparent density, thermogravimetry (TGA and DTG), thermal conductivity, and sound absorption. The SEM analysis revealed a predominantly porous, small, and closed-cell morphology in the vegetable foam. Due to its porosity and lightness, the material has an apparent density similar to other thermal insulating and sound-absorbing materials used commercially. The evaluation of thermogravimetric (TGA/DTG) results demonstrated thermal stability at temperatures that attest to the use of Buriti foam as a building material. Based on the thermal conductivity test, the Buriti foam was characterized as an insulating material comparable to conventional thermal insulation materials and in the same range as other existing thermal insulators of plant origin. Concerning sound absorption, the Buriti foam presented a low performance in the analyzed frequency range, mainly attributed to the absence of open porosity in the material. Therefore, understanding the sound absorption mechanisms of Buriti foam requires further studies exploring additional ways of processing the material.

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Comparative Measurements of the Thermal Properties of Solid Materials on a New Device and Using a New Non-Stationary Method

Defect and Diffusion Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/ddf.366.63 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 366 ◽

pp. 63-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Milena Kušnerová ◽

Lukáš Gola ◽

Jan Valíček ◽

Vojtěch Václavík ◽

Marta Harničárová ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Lightweight Concrete ◽

Residential Buildings ◽

Concrete Strength ◽

Construction Materials ◽

New Device ◽

Measurement Results ◽

Temperature Dependences ◽

Material Coefficient

The aim of the publication is the comparative measurements of changes in temperature of the significant material coefficient - thermal conductivity for newly developed construction materials (lightweight concrete). The aim is met by using a newly proposed method and a newly developed device by the approximation modelling of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity coefficient of the new composites and also the interpretation of measurement results in the context of optimally desired characteristics of thermal insulation concrete. Construction materials for residential buildings should have good thermal insulation properties, i.e. relatively low coefficients of thermal conductivity. With regard to the relatively most important property of concrete – strength, however, the reduction in thermal conductivity of concrete is limited. Thermal conductivity of concrete can be reduced very effectively by increasing its porosity; on the other hand, by increasing the porosity, the strength of concrete is significantly reduced. The publication, therefore, compares the results of temperature dependences of thermal conductivity for three newly designed concretes, namely in the context of their compressive strength.

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Study and Application of Plastic Construction Materials

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.99-100.1117 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 99-100 ◽

pp. 1117-1120 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mao Quan Xue

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Corrosion Resistance ◽

Energy Saving ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Flame Retardancy ◽

Building Materials ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Low Thermal Conductivity ◽

Building Walls

As new building materials, plastic has light weigh, corrosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, thermal insulation, waterproof, energy-saving, molding convenient, high recycling characteristic, widely used in building materials. According to the research of improving its flame retardancy, strength, thermal insulation, waterproof properties, the application of plastic use in doors and windows, pipeline, building walls and roofs of buildings, etc. were reviewed, and the developing direction was discussed.

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Influence of Air Entraining Agent on Performance of Inorganic Thermal Insulating Mortar

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.71-78.490 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 71-78 ◽

pp. 490-493 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Zhi Min He ◽

Jun Zhe Liu ◽

Tian Hong Wang

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Compressive Strength ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Apparent Density ◽

Thermal Conductivity Coefficient ◽

Operating Performance ◽

Drying Shrinkage ◽

Test Results ◽

Thermal Insulating ◽

Excessive Consumption

This paper presents a laboratory study on the effect of air entraining agent on the performance of thermal insulating mortar with glazed hollow bead. The test results show that with the dosage of air entraining agent increases, the consistency of thermal insulating mortar increases, apparent density, thermal conductivity and drying shrinkage decline, However, the compressive strength greater losses owing to excessive consumption of air entraining agent; air entraining agent within a certain dosage can significantly improve the operating performance of thermal insulation mortar, increase its consistency and reduce its apparent density, thermal conductivity coefficient and drying shrinkage. Due to excessive addition of air entraining agent, the apparent density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength of thermal insulation mortar all increase. For a specific insulation mortar, there will exist the best mixing amount of air entraining agent.

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Sound absorption and thermal insulation properties of composite thermoplastic polyurethane/polystyrene (TPU/PS) nanofiber web and TPU nanofiber web and PS-extracted TPU/PS microfiber web

Journal of Industrial Textiles ◽

10.1177/15280837211039568 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 152808372110395

Author(s):

Neslihan Karaca ◽

İlkay Özsev Yüksek ◽

Nuray Uçar ◽

Ayşen Önen ◽

Cafer Kirbaş

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Sound Absorption ◽

Composite Nanofibers ◽

Fiber Diameter ◽

Thermoplastic Polyurethane ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Soxhlet Extraction ◽

Nanofiber Web ◽

Potential Use

In this study, composite thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polystyrene (PS) nanofiber web and TPU nanofiber web and PS-extracted TPU/PS microfiber web have been experimentally investigated with regard to sound absorption and thermal conductivity coefficients to observe a potential use in sound and thermal insulation areas. Moreover, other properties such as surface area, morphology, tensile strength/elongation, air permeability, and thermal degradation have been analyzed. It has been observed that nanofiber web properties such as fiber diameter, extensibility, pore volume, and porosity have been clearly changed by Soxhlet extraction of PS from the composite TPU/PS nanofibers. PS-extracted TPU/PS fibers can be preferred for the low frequency (600–800 Hz) due to higher SAC (0.7). On the other hand, TPU nanofibers were more effective at medium frequencies (around 3000 Hz, SAC 0.6). Both TPU and PS-extracted TPU/PS composite fibers had similar thermal conductivities, whereas TPU/PS composite nanofibers had lowest thermal conductivity (0.05 W/mK) with moderate maximum SAC value (around 1000 Hz, SAC 0.5–0.6).

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Foams based on industrial waste

The Eurasian Scientific Journal ◽

10.15862/21savn420 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Nadezhda Manakova

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Building Materials ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Foam Glass ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Economic Damage ◽

Mining Areas ◽

Wide Range ◽

Microscopic Studies

Substantial volumes of tailings and waste rocks placed in dumps create serious environmental and economic damage in mining areas and adjacent territories. The development of technologies for processing waste into heat-insulating building materials (foam glass) will make it possible to reduce the burden on the environment, as well as reduce the cost of finished building products. The article substantiates the possibility of obtaining block foamed materials for the production of heat-insulating materials based on man-made waste using low-temperature technology. The author investigated the ways of improving the operational properties of foam silicates by introducing modifying additives (apatite-nepheline waste, fly ash). To obtain foam silicates based on silica-containing waste, a liquid glass composition was prepared, into which additives were introduced. After molding and drying, the samples were swollen. Physical, chemical and thermal properties of foamed silicate materials made of silica-containing raw materials were determined taking into account the requirements of GOST for thermal insulation construction materials. To determine the thermal conductivity coefficient, an ITP-MG 4 electronic thermal conductivity meter was used. Microscopic studies were carried out using a SEM LEO 420 scanning microscope. The author of the article proposes the optimal compositions and conditions for obtaining foam materials that meet the regulatory requirements for materials and products for building insulation. Foamed materials with density up to 0.55 g/cm3, strength 5.5 MPa, water absorption 15–22 %, thermal conductivity 0.09–0.104 W•m/K were obtained. Foam glass materials have a wide range of properties: non-flammable, environmentally friendly, have a long service life, and are not subject to mold deterioration. The obtained materials can be recommended for use as thermal insulation in the construction and reconstruction of industrial and civil buildings and structures.

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Acoustic absorption and thermal insulation of wood panels: Influence of porosity

BioResources ◽

10.15376/biores.14.2.3746-3757 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 3746-3757

Author(s):

Marilia da Silva Bertolini ◽

César Augusto Galvão de Morais ◽

André Luis Christoforo ◽

Stelamaris Rolla Bertoli ◽

Wilson Nunes dos Santos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Sound Absorption ◽

Raw Materials ◽

Physical And Mechanical Properties ◽

Pressing Pressure ◽

Reverberation Chamber ◽

Polyurethane Resin ◽

Highly Porous

The development of materials that offer environmental comfort inside buildings, through adequate thermal and acoustic behavior, has been as relevant as the search for raw materials of renewable origin. In this context, this study produced and characterized panels made with Pinus sp. waste materials, which were treated with a copper chrome boric oxide preservative and a castor-oil based polyurethane resin. The physical and mechanical properties of the panels were evaluated according to the ABNT NBR 14810 standard (2013). The panel porosity was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques. The sound absorption was analyzed by a reverberation chamber and thermal conductivity by the modified fractionated column method. Samples with a higher pressing pressure (4 MPa) during the manufacturing presented lower thickness swelling and higher mechanical properties in static bending. Panels made with a lower press pressure (2.5 MPa) resulted in a higher porosity volume (55.7%). The more highly porous panels were more acoustically efficient, with a sound absorption coefficient close to 0.8 at 3.2 kHz, and they had a better thermal conductivity performance.The potential of these panels for application where sound absorption and thermal insulation are prioritized is thus observed.

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Optimal Thermal Insulation Thicknesses of External Walls Based on Economic and Ecological Heating Cost

Energies ◽

10.3390/en12183415 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (18) ◽

pp. 3415 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Dylewski

Keyword(s):

Life Cycle ◽

Environmental Impact ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Net Present Value ◽

Vertical Wall ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Economic Cost ◽

Analytical Description ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Insulation Materials

The present study introduces the concept of ecological cost of heating modeled on the economic cost of heating. A method of determining these costs is also proposed. This method allows for an analytical description of the ecological as well as economic net present value of a thermal insulation investment. Consequently, it is possible to determine the optimal values for ecological reasons of the heat transfer coefficient of the building external wall and the thickness of thermal insulation. The present study uses life-cycle assessment (LCA) analysis to determine the environmental impact of thermal insulation materials used to insulate the external vertical wall and to determine the environmental impact of thermal energy production in the energy phase of the building’s life cycle. Various variants characteristic of Polish conditions were studied. Different types of construction materials of the wall, types of heat sources, thermal insulation materials and climate zones occurring in Poland were considered. For all analysed variants, the obtained thermal insulation thickness, optimum for ecological reasons, was much larger than the optimum for economic reasons. Even at the thickness of thermal insulation optimum for economic reasons, the investment was profitable for ecological reasons, i.e., a reduction in environmental load was obtained as a result of the thermal insulation investment. On the basis of the conducted study, it can be concluded that it is preferable to use thermal insulation thicknesses larger than required by current regulations and larger than optimum for economic reasons. The ecological benefits of thermal insulation investments are then significantly greater, with not much smaller economic benefits.

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Thermal Insulation Properties of Insulated Concrete

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.19.8.7480 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (8) ◽

pp. 3027-3031 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Noor Fifinatasha Shahedan ◽

Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah ◽

Norsuria Mahmed ◽

Andri Kusbiantoro ◽

Kamarudin Hussin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Expansion ◽

Thermal Diffusivity ◽

Mass Loss ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Thermal Efficiency ◽

Cooling System ◽

Electrical Power ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Heating And Cooling

In building development, concrete is world most reliable, durable and versatile in construction materials. However, the heating and cooling system of the building is influenced by outside temperature due to extreme weather or areas condition leads to the consumption of a lot of electrical power. Thermally insulated concretes represent alternative construction materials to improve the thermal efficiency in building development. Various construction materials have different thermal insulation properties and thus, their suitability for various conditions vary. Thermal insulation properties are generally identified through specific heat, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal expansion, and mass loss. This paper present review the thermal insulation properties of variations insulated concrete are presently in growing demand of researchers to comfort and resolve prescribed issues related to insulated concrete in enhancing thermal insulation properties as a passive energy saving building.

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Effect of Ornamental Rock Sludge on the Strength and Densification of Cement Pavement Blocks

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.727-728.1723 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 727-728 ◽

pp. 1723-1728 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

A.V. Bahiense ◽

J. Alexandre ◽

C.M.F. Vieira ◽

S.N. Monteiro

Keyword(s):

Environmental Impact ◽

Statistical Method ◽

Apparent Density ◽

Low Cost ◽

Construction Materials ◽

Industrial Activity ◽

Surface Response ◽

Experimental Planning ◽

Ornamental Stones ◽

The City

The city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, in the southwest of Brazil, has a large industrial activity related to the extraction of ornamental stones. This brings jobs and income to the state of Espirito Santo but also cause problems due to the discard of the sludge resulting from the stone processing operations (SPO). The reuse of this SPO in construction materials such as plaster and bricks has been proposed as an alternative to reduce its environmental impact. This work evaluates another low cost alternative based on the incorporation of the SPO in the fabrication of cement pavement blocks. Using an experimental planning method, the mixture of sand, gravel and SPO, jointly with a water/cement proportion, was investigated for the method surface response. Based on this statistical method, pavement blocks with an apparent density of 1.96 g/cm3were found for incorporation in the range of 10 to 34%.

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Comparative Sound Absorption and Thermal Insulation Properties of Compound Fabrics

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.365-366.1066 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 365-366 ◽

pp. 1066-1069

Author(s):

Jia Horng Lin ◽

Ting Ting Li ◽

Jan Yi Lin ◽

Mei Chen Lin ◽

Ching Wen Lou

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Thermal Insulation ◽

Sound Absorption ◽

Single Layer ◽

Double Layers ◽

Thermal Bonding ◽

Thermal Insulating ◽

Number Of Layers ◽

Needle Punching ◽

Absorbing Property

The compound fabrics comprised of double layers of nonwovens and carbon fabrics were prepared by needle-punching and thermal bonding techniques. The thermal bonding and number of layers effect on thermal insulating and sound absorbing property have been discussed. The resulting compound fabrics have thermal conductivity decreases to 0.02 W/(m*K) for single layer of thermo-bonded compound fabrics and sound-absorbing coefficient reaches to 0.848 at 4000 Hz for 3-layer un-thermo-bonded fabrics .

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