Fabrication and Analysis of Thermal Insulation Ceiling Panel from Corn Husk Fiber

Abstract

Every year, the Philippines experiences hot and rainy weather. For those who choose to remain at home, summer feels like torture. So, Filipinos have no choice but to turn on their air-conditioning system, which can cause their electricity bill to skyrocket. Corn husk fibers, being a waste product, have great potential to be applied in home textiles, home furnishing, carpet, rugs, and packaging of food grains and crops. The researchers thought of making thermal insulation ceiling panels made of corn husk fibers. The study yielded a result of 0.119 W/m.K for thermal conductivity using a calibrated hot box, below the 0.25 W/m.K maximum threshold for thermal conductivity value. Furthermore, its fire resistance characteristic made it less susceptible to small fire attacks. It was also found that the insulator has 2.19% and 8.42% water absorption values for short and long-term soaking, which is less than the 40% range value for water absorption. Hence, it can be said that it is an excellent thermal insulator.