Assessment of Thermophysical and Mechanical Properties of Composite Panels Fabricated from Untreated and Treated Coconut Husk Particles for Structural Application

Abstract

Large quantities of coconut husks generated are under-utilized. In developing countries, this situation warrants their disposal by open burning or indiscriminate dumping. Either practice adversely affects the environment and public health. In this study, test samples were fabricated from untreated coconut husk particles (UCP) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% weight proportions with treated coconut husk particles (TCP) using epoxy resin as binder. Five representative samples were prepared per formulation and then subjected to various intended tests. The test results revealed water absorption, bulk density, thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, nailability, flexural strength, and compressive strength to be (24.88 ± 0.04) %, (459.78 ± 0.05) kgm-3, (0.0867 ± 0.0001) Wm-1K-1, (1573.76 ± 1.14) Jkg-1K-1, (1.198 ± 0.002) x 10-7 m2s-1, (100.0 ± 0.0) %, (11.94 ± 0.03) N/mm2, and (22.86 ± 0.04) N/mm2 respectively for the control sample with UCP content. Also, the respective values of the properties were (29.05 ± 0.06) %, (583.87 ± 0.05) kgm-3, (0.1009 ± 0.0002) Wm-1K-1, (1402.66 ± 1.45) Jkg-1K-1, (1.232 ± 0.004) x 10-7 m2s-1, (100.0 ± 0.0) %, (14.58 ± 0.03) N/mm2, and (33.27 ± 0.02) N/mm2 for the counterpart sample containing the TCP. All the samples showed better tendencies for thermal insulation performance compared to conventional ceilings like plywood, PVC, and asbestos. Thus, utilization of coconut husks as described in this study could alternatively help to solve the disposal problems of such wastes while availing building industries with suitable raw materials to manufacture cost-effective heat-insulating ceilings.