Investigating Thermal Conductivity of Banana and Coconut Fiber Insulation (PDF)

**"Investigating the Thermal Conductivity in Banana** **and Coconut Fiber-Based Insulation Materials"** Members: Apellido, Sunshine M. Estrellanes, Jeremie F. Hildebran, Mikhaella Rose B. Pineda, Raiza Muriel M. Robiato, Shaina Jade G. Rosas, Jacquiline Mae M. **Riverside College -- Senior...

**"Investigating the Thermal Conductivity in Banana** **and Coconut Fiber-Based Insulation Materials"** Members: Apellido, Sunshine M. Estrellanes, Jeremie F. Hildebran, Mikhaella Rose B. Pineda, Raiza Muriel M. Robiato, Shaina Jade G. Rosas, Jacquiline Mae M. **Riverside College -- Senior High School** *Bacolod City, Negros Occidental* **Roger Rey Laus** *Practical Research 2 Adviser* *November 25, 2024* **Introduction** **Background of the Study** The Philippines is known for its tropical weather that requires good insulation to keep indoor spaces comfortable due to the high temperatures and humidity levels (PAGASA, 2022). A highly elevated heat index was also reported in the Philippines during 2023, with some places reportedly having a heat index of more than 50 degrees Celsius because of high temperatures and high humidity in the region (Cabato, 2024). Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam is widely used as an insulation material due to its low thermal conductivity properties. However, concerns about their environmental impact, including non-biodegradability and high costs (Hansen et al., 2015), have prompted the search for sustainable alternative. In recent years, the Philippines has been in the top five banana exporters in the world (Banana Link, 2021) and so as the second largest producer of coconut products in the world (Vancouver Philippine Consulate General, 2020). These renewable and biodegradable fibers have immense potential as insulation materials (DOST-FPRDI 2022). Banana fibers extracted from the pseudo stems and leaves of banana plants show low thermal conductivity (Chowdhury et al., 2020). Banana fibers primarily consist of 60-65% cellulose, 15-20% hemicellulose, and 5-10% lignin (Motaleb et al., 2020) and Coconut fibers, or coir, are composed primarily of 37-43% lignin, 27-36% cellulose, and 14-22% hemicellulose (Vieira et al., 2024). These substances have low thermal conductivity, making them effective at reducing heat transfer (Ornaghi et al., 2021). Moreover, banana and coconut fibers have excellent durability as insulating materials with excellent thermal performance and integrity up to extended exposure to environmental conditions of humidity and temperature fluctuations (Patel et al., 2023). They also show resistance to deterioration, whereby their physical morphology and thermal insulation are maintained even after extended periods of exposure to environmental stresses, such as high humidity and temperature fluctuations (Patel et al., 2023). Coconut fibres in particular have been reported to resist rotting and remain intact under humid conditions and are, therefore, highly adaptable to tropical climates (Rahman et al., 2021). This study aims to investigate the thermal conductivity properties of banana and coconut fiber-based insulation materials to evaluate their potential as sustainable alternatives to traditional insulation materials. This research seeks to determine the potential of these natural fibers to provide efficient thermal insulation. **Statement of the Problem** This research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Banana and Coconut fiber-based insulation materials as an alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, and seeks to answer the following questions: 1\. What thickness of coconut and banana fiber-based insulation for achieving effective thermal insulation (humidity level and temperature)? 1\. 1. 5mm (60% Coconut, 40% Banana) 1.2. 10 mm (60% Coconut, 40% Banana) 1.3. 15 mm (60% Coconut, 40% Banana) 2\. Is there a significant difference in insulati/on effectiveness between the varying concentrations of coconut and banana fiber-based materials and EPS foam in terms of humidity and temperature level? **Hypothesis** Is there a significant difference in the thermal insulation properties (temperature and humidity regulation) between banana and coconut fiber-based insulation materials and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. **Conceptual Framework** This conceptual framework takes a look at the kind of relationship between the independent and dependent variables in the process of determining the effectiveness of thermal insulation materials. Independent factors include two main variables. The first is the form of insulation material used; the second is the thickness level of the material. Samples of insulation materials to be tested are banana and coconut fibers, and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam, which is the control for the experiment. The dependent variables for the fiber-based insulation evaluate three thickness levels: 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm, both made of 60% coconut fibers and 40% banana fibers. Humidity levels are measured as a percentage, which controls moisture, while temperature control in Celsius measures the thermal performance. This framework provides a systematic way to analyze how the type and thickness of insulation materials affect their ability to regulate temperature and humidity, offering insight into the viability of natural fiber-based insulation compared to traditional synthetic options.  **Scope and Delimitation** The scope of this study is limited to the evaluation of thermal conductivity properties of banana and coconut fiber-based insulations in terms of humidity level and temperature, coupled with a comparison with EPS foam. This research is based on banana fibers and coconut coir exclusively and not on any other natural or synthetic insulating materials. Main variables to be considered in the study are the effects these materials impart in controlled conditions simulating a typical tropical climate, such as the Philippines, for both temperature and humidity. Other characteristics such as durability, resistance to fire, or acoustic properties would not be considered in this investigation. Additionally, the research setup only focuses on indoor conditions; outside influences such as harsh weather and climates outside the tropic zone are not considered. This study primarily focuses on the thermal conductivity characteristics of banana and coconut fibers as insulations. Although EPS foam is acknowledged as a common insulation material, the focus of this study is not to directly compare banana and coconut fibers with EPS foam. The study does not investigate the long-term degradation or performance of these materials after prolonged exposure times. The research is particularly focused on the use of banana and coconut fibers in the Philippines, a region where these fibers are both abundant and suitable for local construction requirements. The results apply to the tropics, and the study will not investigate the feasibility of using these materials in non-tropical or temperate regions. This delimitation will help a focused evaluation of banana and coconut fibers as sustainable insulation materials within the context of tropical climates. **Significance of the Study** **Homeowners.** Homeowners in the Philippines stand to receive help from using banana and coconut fiber-based insulating materials. Natural fibers like banana and coconut provide efficient thermal insulation, minimizing heat gain while preserving thermal comfort in hot, humid conditions. **Environment.** The use of banana and coconut fibers contributes to sustainability efforts. These materials are biodegradable and derived from agricultural waste, which helps minimize the environmental impact associated with synthetic insulation options. By opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, the use of biodegradable fibers lowers pollution levels significantly. **Shipping and Logistics Industry.** Due to its lightweight nature and ability to insulate against heat, banana and coconut fibers are an excellent choice for environmentally friendly packaging materials in the transportation and coordination industries. They can also be biodegradable. **Low-Income Communities.** Using these locally produced, environmentally friendly products is a practical and sustainable way to address the problems caused by excessive heat. Considering how much less energy is used for cooling, these biodegradable materials can result in significant cost savings for consumers on their electricity bills. **Construction Industry.** Natural thermal insulation materials such as banana and coconut fibers can provide significant benefits to the construction industry. In addition to being less expensive than conventional insulation choices, these natural materials are also better for the environment. Builders may create environmentally friendly projects with less of an impact on the environment and reduced material costs by using locally produced materials. This is in line with the growing demand for environmentally friendly construction practices. **Future researchers.** Future researchers will benefit significantly from the study by obtaining access to essential data on the thermal properties of these eco-friendly materials. This provides a fundamental understanding of how banana and coconut fibers perform as insulation, enabling researchers to explore comparative studies with other natural fibers, further enhancements, innovate eco-friendly materials, and applications in sustainable construction practices. **Introduction to Thermal Insulation Materials** Thermal insulation plays a crucial role in sustainable construction and energy efficiency. It refers to the use of materials that reduce heat transfer, this way ensuring energy saving at buildings and also emphasizing environmental sustainability (Moser et al., 2019). Traditionally, such materials as Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam are thus commonly used in insulation because they are light in weight, durable, and efficiently reduce heat transfer. However, EPS foam has a considerable environmental drawback since it is not biodegradable, which poses a serious question mark over its long-term environment (Bourne, 2018). Recently, there has been an increased interest in eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate this concern. Banana and coconut fibers have emerged as sustainable alternatives for insulation. These fibers are biodegradable, renewable, and cheaper, hence promising materials for construction (Smith & Lee, 2017). On the contrary, it is known that natural fibers have a significantly less environmental footprint than synthetic materials such as EPS foam during production and disposal. This has resulted in a shift to be able to use these fibers in terms of insulation that offers a more environmental and eco-friendly solution (Chakraborty, 2018). **Properties of Banana and Coconut Fibers** Banana fibers were reported to possess favorably positive thermal behavior, hence suitable for thermal insulation applications. Studies by Kumar et al. (2019) show that banana fibers have very low thermal conductivity, by which they are able to resist heat flow and act as insulators. Coconut fibers have also been studied for potential application as thermal insulation materials. They have a moderate level of thermal conductivity. This makes them a good source of insulation in most tropical climates where temperature regulation is crucial. According to Goncalves and Almeida (2020), coconut fibers are capable of regulating temperature and moisture, which makes them highly useful in such climates. Both banana and coconut fibers can easily control humidity and moisture. These two fibers are moisture-absorbing types of fibers, which can hold the damp environment at a suitable concentration to build an indoor space. Singh and Patel (2021) discussed how these fibers absorb moisture and release it at the correct time to create better interior climate control if used as insulation. Besides thermal and moisture regulating properties, banana and coconut fibers have considerable environmental benefits; whereas EPS foams might take decades to decompose in a landfill, natural fibers break down. As mentioned earlier, Chakraborty (2018) analyzed the life cycle comparison of natural fibers with synthetic materials and found that natural fibers have a much smaller footprint both during production and at the end of their life cycle. **Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam as Insulation** EPS foam has been a huge player in the insulation industry because of its good thermal properties, lightness, and durability. Brown reviewed in 2017 the ubiquitous application of EPS foam in construction: While being an efficient thermal insulator, the material does not escape environmental concerns as it is non-biodegradable, thus contributing significantly to wastes and its relatively long life to deteriorate while buried for hundreds of years in landfills. Research on the performance of EPS foam in different conditions gives results showing that it is good in dry conditions but has limitations in humid conditions. According to Martin, 2020, \"EPS foam makes a great insulator in dry conditions but breaks down rather quickly when exposed to too much humidity or moisture\". **Comparative Studies of Natural Fibers and Synthetic Insulation** Comparative studies have been conducted on the thermal conductivity of natural fibers, such as banana and coconut, with EPS foam. Banana and EPS foam were compared in their ability to provide insulation, as reported by Ali et al. (2019). However, under certain conditions, a material as potential as banana fibers still provided a suitable alternative, especially when it comes to lesser heat transfer across humid environments. In addition to thermal performance, natural fibers outperform EPS foam in terms of moisture control. Zhao et al. (2020) compared the moisture absorption and retention properties of natural fiber-based insulation materials with EPS foam. They found that banana and coconut fibers exhibited excellent moisture regulation, absorbing and releasing moisture as needed to ensure consistent humidity levels inside buildings. The EPS foam tend to trap moisture, which leads to mold growth. More studies, like those of Liu and Huang (2021), have shown that natural fibers work well in temperature control, with banana and coconut fibers often outperforming EPS foam in high humidity and tropical climates. Fibers can naturally offer a solution to both temperature and humidity control, making them especially treasured in areas where the climate is at constant variance. **Applications and Case Studies of Natural Fiber-Based Insulation** Banana and coconut fiber-based insulation materials have been used for a variety of construction projects for applications in the real world. A case study on the use of coconut fiber panels in tropical buildings proved effective in temperature and humidity management by Das et al. (2019). Natural fibers, when used in construction, especially in hot and wet climates, have proven to be cost-efficient as well as effective. Comparative case studies between banana fiber insulation and EPS foam- such as Singh\'s (2020)- is very indicative. There is an evident trend that EPS foam might be used everywhere but it provides comparable insulation performance when supplemented with the ecologically friendly and cost-effective benefits of banana fibers. In particular, the study of Singh mentioned the potential of banana fibers in residential buildings where, in general, they may offer the required insulations against temperature fluctuations and humidity at a lower cost than EPS foam. **Gaps in Existing Research** Despite the favorable thermal and environmental benefits of banana and coconut fibers, there is an evident gap in using them as insulation materials. The principal gap is with respect to using them together since, based on individual research studies on banana fibers (Kumar et al., 2019) and coconut fibers (Goncalves & Almeida, 2020), it is established that they can be used as a promising tool for insulation; however, scanty research is being conducted on their synergy in combination use. If banana and coconut fibers are combined, performance may benefit because banana fiber is hardy and long-wearing and coconut fiber is able to manage moisture; however, not much research is available in terms of their application in an insulation system together. This area of research may provide fresh insights into optimizing insulation in heavy moisture areas. While individual studies on thermal conductivity and moisture absorption exist, little is known about the optimal processing methods for combining these fibers. In addition, no research has been done extensively into the combination of banana and coconut fibers in various climate zones. Most of the research focuses solely on the properties of the fibers; therefore, their performance in changing environmental conditions is unknown.\ Lastly, the economic feasibility for mass production composite fiber insulation is not well-studied. Even though both materials are cheap, further study is needed regarding their feasibility for cost in comparison to synthetic materials such as EPS foam. **Conclusion ** Conclusion Banana and coconut fiber-based materials stand promising as a sustainable alternative to EPS foam in thermal insulation. These natural fibers have competitive thermal properties compared to the comparison and show high environmental benefits, in particular, biodegradability with low environmental impact. Indeed, its potential lies in the construction industry\'s pursuit of green materials, particularly in humid and tropical climates. Further research on optimizing the material for thickness, moisture regulation, and performance in diverse conditions will strengthen the role of these alternatives as a feasible replacement for EPS foam in sustainable construction. **Synthesis** Our study Investigating the Thermal Conductivity in Banana and Coconut Fiber-Based Insulation Materials explores the use of banana and coconut fibers as eco-friendly alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam for insulation. Since the Philippines is a tropical country with high temperatures and humidity, finding sustainable insulation materials is important. The fibers from bananas and coconut, which are agricultural by-products, have great thermal properties. They prevent heat transfer and resist moisture. This research assesses various compositions and thicknesses of such fibers under controlled conditions to understand how effective they are when compared to EPS foam. This is crucial because such research fosters sustainable material use, biodegradability, affordability, and availability of these materials; hence, this benefits both the homeowners and the construction industry and environment. It fills a gap left in past research as it explores the combination of banana and coconut fibers for insulation purposes, contributing to a pursuit of green building practices. **Methodology** **Research Design** This study employs an experimental research design to evaluate the thermal conductivity properties of banana and coconut fiber-based insulation materials compared to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. The experimental approach is appropriate because the study involves manipulating independent variables such as material thickness (5mm, 10mm, 15mm) and composition (e.g., 60% coconut and 40% banana), while observing their effects on dependent variables like thermal insulation effectiveness and humidity regulation. However, the use of naturally occurring materials with fixed properties and the absence of random assignment differentiates this design from a true experimental setup. **General Procedure** A. **Collection and Preparation of Materials** **A.1. Collection of materials** Coconut and banana fibers will be collected from post-harvest agricultural waste in the Negros Island region, as they support sustainability through residue use. The kaolin to be used as the adhesive or binder for the insulation panels will be bought online. Necessary tools and equipment that the researchers will obtain are the thermocouple, hygrometer, scissors, Vernier caliper, washing tubs, insulation molds, oven for curing, and a house model to test its application. This method guarantees that coconut and banana fibers are source sustainably and with all means of testing and production required for the panels. **A.2 Materials Preparation** These coconut and banana fibers will initially be sorted by hand to get only the usable fibers. These fibers are then cleaned using warm running water to remove any form of dirt or impurity. After cleaning, air drying for 24-48 hours is required in order to get them dry-free of moisture. Once dry, the fibers will be cut to appropriate lengths for uniformity and ease of processing. Kaolin will be dispersed in water to the appropriate consistency to make a suitable binder for manufacturing the insulation panels (Khan & Rahman, 2015). The process ensures the materials are clean, uniform, and ready for composite formation**.** B. **Preparation of Different Setups** Three insulation panels will be set up, with each having distinct thicknesses for testing in terms of thermal conductivity as well as the ability of the panels to regulate moisture. The distinct thicknesses will be: A. 5mm B. 10mm C. 15mm For each setup, there will be 60% coconut fiber and 40% banana fiber((Fang et al., 2019)). The two distinct fibers will be mixed for uniform distribution before combining with kaolin, which serves as a binder that holds fibers together. The mixture will then be poured into molds corresponding to each thickness (5mm, 10mm, and 15mm) and compressed to ensure consistency (Fang et al., 2019). The molds will be left to cure in an oven, where the panels will be dried and hardened to the desired shape and thickness. These three variations will be tested to determine the impact of thickness on the insulation properties of the banana and coconut fiber composite. C. **Manufacturing of the insulation panels** Coconut and banana fibers that are prepared will be mixed with kaolin binder to ensure the right consistency for the manufacturing of the insulation panels. The fiber-binder mixture will then be pressed into molds to form panels in different thicknesses (5mm, 10mm, and 15mm)((Fang et al., 2019)). Once in the molds, the panels will be compressed and pressed into an oven to harden and cure (Yusof & Ibrahim, 2024). This process makes sure that the panels are shaped correctly and set up so that they are ready to test in the house model. D. **Data Collection** This data will be collected within a model house simulating the in-situ situation, thus testing the performance of insulations on the material itself. Three different thicknesses (5mm, 10mm and 15mm) of these panels will contain 60% coconut fibre and 40% banana fibre respectively. Inside the house model will be positioned a hygrometer and thermocouple to record continuously the temperature and humidity level. The model house will be placed inside an open area to maximize exposure to natural environmental condition. Inside the model house, the temperature and humidity levels will be checked according to scheduled time, starting at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and then 3:00 PM, during which time of the day it is in time for recording. To view the interior, a clear plastic glass will form the outside of the model and allow researchers to see interior conditions without disturbing the configuration. This will ensure true readings of how each variation in thickness of insulation would affect temperature regulation and humidity control inside the model. E. **Data Analysis** The data obtained from the house model will be analyzed through comparison of the temperature and humidity levels inside the model with the corresponding insulation materials, namely banana and coconut fiber-based composites at different thicknesses (5mm, 10mm, and 15mm). These results will then be compared with existing data for EPS foam, which will act as the control material. Statistical methods, including ANOVA, will then be used to find significant differences in thermal conductivity and regulation of humidity between the different fiber-based insulations as compared to EPS foam. Datasets will be compared as we try to assess if banana and coconut fiber-based materials can provide effective insulation against heat and moisture and even be a viable, eco-friendly alternative to EPS foam.. **References** [Ornaghi, H. L., Monticeli, F. M., Neves, R. M., Agnol, L. D., & Bianchi, O. (2021b). 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