Comparitive Analysis of Natural Building Insulation Materials

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF NATURAL BUILDING
INSULATION MATERIALS
By Muhammad Usman Akhtar, Fahad Riasat,

Muhammad Usama
Supervisor Engr. Mushtaq Ahmad
Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Engineering and

Technology, Lahore
2018
COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF NATURAL BUILDING
INSULATION MATERIALS
A report submitted to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree of Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
By
Muhammad Usman Akhtar
Fahad Riasat
Muhammad Usama
Supervisor Engr. Mushtaq Ahmad ------------------------
Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Engineering

and Technology, Lahore
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Engr Mushtaq Ahmad (Supervisor)
It’s our honor to have Sir Mushtaq Ahmad as our project supervisor for all supportive directions
throughout the project and also supported us in our project.
Mr. Nisar (Mechanical workshop)
We would also like to acknowledge the people in the mechanical workshop for guiding us through
technical difficulties.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .............................................................................................................. 3
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 13
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................................... 14
2.1 THERMAL INSULATION: ............................................................................................... 14
2.2 BENEFITS OF INSULATION: .......................................................................................... 14
2.2.1 Energy Conservation:............................................................................................. 14
2.2.2 Protection and comfort:.......................................................................................... 14
2.2.3 Maintenance of Process Temperature: ................................................................... 15
2.2.4 Fire protection: ....................................................................................................... 15
2.2.5 Reducing noise and vibration: ............................................................................... 15
2.3 General Types of Insulations: .............................................................................................. 15
2.3.1 Fibrous insulation: ................................................................................................. 15
2.3.2 Cellular insulation: ................................................................................................. 15
2.3.3 Granular insulation: ................................................................................................ 15
2.4 Forms of insulation: ............................................................................................................. 15
2.5 Insulation Materials: ............................................................................................................ 16
2.5.1 Synthetic insulation materials: ............................................................................... 16
2.5.2 Natural insulations materials: ................................................................................ 16
2.6 History of natural insulation materials:............................................................................... 16
2.7 Recent Studies About Natural ............................................................................................. 17
2.8 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 19
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................ 20
CHAPTER 4: MATERIAL SELECTION .................................................................................... 21
4.1 Wheat Straw ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.2 Cotton .................................................................................................................................. 21
4.3 Wood Fiber .......................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Wheat Straw Congregation ................................................................................................. 24
5.2 Congregation of wood fiber: ............................................................................................... 27
5.3 Congregation of cotton:....................................................................................................... 27
CHAPTER 6 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP: ................................................................................... 28
6.1 Cotton Insulation ............................................................................................................ 31
6.1.2 Day 2 (Cotton) .............................................................................................................. 37
6.1.3 Day 3 (Cotton) .............................................................................................................. 43
6.2 Straw Insulation: ................................................................................................................. 48
6.2.1 Day 1 (Straw)................................................................................................................ 48
6.2.2 Day 2 (Straw)................................................................................................................ 54
6.2.3 Day 3 (Straw)................................................................................................................ 59
6.3 Wood Fiber insulation: ........................................................................................................ 64
6.3.1 Day 1 (Wood Fiber) ...................................................................................................... 65
6.3.3 Day 3 (Wood Fiber) ...................................................................................................... 75
RESULTS: .................................................................................................................................... 81
CONCLUSION: ............................................................................................................................ 87
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 88
List of Figure
Figure 1 Heat Loss in Building .................................................................................................................................... 13
Figure 2 Straw ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 3 Cotton ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 4 Wood Fiber Board ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 5 Software Model of Tile ................................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 6 Top view of Frame ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Figure 7 Side view of Frame ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 8 Isometric view ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Figure 9 Practical Model ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Figure 10 Mud and Ground ......................................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 11 Straw ........................................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 12 Side view of Tile ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Figure 13 Top view of Tile .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 14 Steps of formation of straw Tiles ................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 15 Raw Cotton to Compressed Cotton ............................................................................................................. 27
Figure 16 Thermal Camera .......................................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 17 Hygrometer ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 18 Noise Meter ................................................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 19 outside temperature ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 20 Outside Temperature ................................................................................................................................ 31
Figure 21 Without insulation maximum value ............................................................................................................ 31
Figure 22 With insulation corresponding value ........................................................................................................... 31
Figure 23 Without insulation minimum value ............................................................................................................. 32
Figure 25 Outside Temperature ................................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 40 Temperature without insulation graph day 1 ............................................................................................... 34
Figure 41 Temperature with insulation graph .............................................................................................................. 35
Figure 42 Noise Outside .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Figure 43 Noise Inside ................................................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 44 Humidity chart Day 1 .................................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 45 Noise chart Day 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 61 Outside temperature .................................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 66 Temperature with insulation graph day 2 .................................................................................................... 40
Figure 68 Noise Outside .............................................................................................................................................. 41
Figure 69 Noise Inside ................................................................................................................................................. 41
Figure 70 Humidity chart day 2 ................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 71 Noise chart day 2 ......................................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 92 Temperature with insulation graph day 3 .................................................................................................... 46
Figure 94 Outside ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 95 inside noise ................................................................................................................................................. 47
Figure 96 Humidity chart day 3 ................................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 97 Noise chart day 3 ......................................................................................................................................... 47
Figure 98 Straw tiles .................................................................................................................................................... 48
Figure 100 Without insulation maximum value .......................................................................................................... 48
Figure 101 With insulation corresponding value ......................................................................................................... 48
Figure 102 Without insulation minimum value .......................................................................................................... 49
Figure 103 With insulation corresponding value ........................................................................................................ 49
Figure 105 Without insulation maximum value ......................................................................................................... 49
Figure 107 Without insulation minimum value ........................................................................................................... 49
Figure 109 Outside Temperature ................................................................................................................................. 50
Figure 114 Outside temperature .................................................................................................................................. 50
Figure 119 Temperature with insulation graph day 1 .................................................................................................. 51
Figure 120 Temperature without insulation graph day 1 ............................................................................................. 52
Figure 121 Noise outside ............................................................................................................................................. 52
Figure 122 Noise inside ............................................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 123 Humidity chart day 1 ................................................................................................................................. 53
Figure 124 Noise chart day 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 136 without insulation maximum value ........................................................................................................... 55
Figure 137 with insulation corresponding value .......................................................................................................... 55
Figure 139 with insulation corresponding value .......................................................................................................... 55
Figure 145 Temperature with insulation Graph (Day 2) .............................................................................................. 57
Figure 146 Temperature without insulation graph (Day 2) ........................................................................................ 57
Figure 147 Outside noise ............................................................................................................................................. 58
Figure 148 Inside noise................................................................................................................................................ 58
Figure 149 traw humidity graph (day 2) ...................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 150 Straw noise graph (day 2) .......................................................................................................................... 59
Figure 151 Outside temperature ................................................................................................................................. 59
Figure 171 straw without insulation graph (day 3) ...................................................................................................... 62
Figure 172 straw with insulation graph (day 3) ........................................................................................................... 63
Figure 174 inside noise ................................................................................................................................................ 63
Figure 175 straw humidity graph (day 3) .................................................................................................................... 64
Figure 176 straw noise graph (day 3) .......................................................................................................................... 64
Figure 177 Wood Fiber................................................................................................................................................ 64
Figure 195 With insulation corresponding value s ...................................................................................................... 67
Figure 198 Temperature without insulation graph (day 1) .......................................................................................... 68
Figure 199 wood fiber with insulation graph (day 1) .................................................................................................. 68
Figure 200 Outside Noise ............................................................................................................................................ 69
Figure 201 Inside noise................................................................................................................................................ 69
Figure 202 wood fiber humidity graph (day 1) ............................................................................................................ 69
Figure 203 wood fiber noise graph (day 1) ................................................................................................................. 70
Figure 224 wood fiber without insulation graph (day 2) ............................................................................................. 73
Figure 225 Cotton with insulation graph (day 2) ......................................................................................................... 73
Figure 228 wood fiber humidity graph (day 2) ............................................................................................................ 74
Figure 229 wood fiber noise graph (day 2) .................................................................................................................. 75
Figure 250 wood fiber with insulation graph (day 3) .................................................................................................. 78
Figure 251 wood fiber without insulation graph (day 3) ............................................................................................. 78
Figure 254 wood fiber humidity graph (day 3 ............................................................................................................. 79
Figure 255 wood fiber noise graph (day 3) .................................................................................................................. 80
Figure 256 Temperature difference chart for cotton day 1 .......................................................................................... 81
Figure 259 Temperature difference chart for straw day 1 ........................................................................................... 82
Figure 262 Temperature difference chart for wood fiber day 1 ................................................................................... 84
Figure263 Temperature difference chart for wood fiber day 2 ................................................................................... 84
Figure 264 Temperature difference chart for wood fiber day 3 ................................................................................... 85
Figure 265 Average temperature difference chart ....................................................................................................... 85
Figure 266 cost comparison for materials .................................................................................................................... 86
Figure 267 density comparison for materials............................................................................................................... 86
ABSTRACT
The present study deals with the comparative study of wood fiber, wheat straw, and cotton as a
natural insulation materials. The study of natural insulation materials covers variety of insulation
products which are derived from different natural products like cotton, straw, cork, hemp etc.
These materials can be used as a replacement of synthetic insulation materials like petro chemical
insulations. Raw materials are easily available but the manufacturing of material has a great
importance. Straw is easy to assemble by mixing some mud with it. Cotton is also easily
assembled by compressing or by adding some binders in it similar is the case with wood fiber.
The results demonstrate that the wood fiber has best insulation properties among the three studied
materials and the cotton showed the least.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
In the present era the minimization of energy losses is more important than the generation of
energy. For this purpose, we practice different techniques both at industrial and domestic scale.
With the evolution of the idea of energy efficient building the researchers are keen to minimize
the losses of energy in buildings. Most of the energy loss in the buildings from walls, roof, and
floor. There are several ways to reduce the loss of energy in buildings:
• Improving the insulation of buildings.
• Reducing the leakage of air.
• Improving the control of solar radiations.
Figure 1 Heat Loss in Building
With the increase in the demand of insulation the researchers have developed many building
insulation materials. They are classified into natural and synthetic insulation materials. Here, we focus
on natural building insulation materials. There are many natural materials that can be used as
insulation that enhance the scope of this study. Here, we use different materials for insulation like
straw, wood fiber and cotton. We get materials in a raw form, make them in a proper shape, apply on
the Roof top and compare the results of these materials.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
A significant literature review was performed to develop a viable methodology for the
optimization of process.
2.1 THERMAL INSULATION:

Thermal insulations are used because of their poor conductance to the heat and having low
thermal conductivity. Insulations are used in manufacturing process industries and in buildings
to avoid heat loss. The prime purpose of insulation is economic one but it also provide thermal
comfort and protection of equipment.
2.2 BENEFITS OF INSULATION:

Thermal insulation is used to reduce the heat transfer rate between two surfaces or objects at
different temperatures. Thermal insulation can be achieved by using different processes as well
as different materials. Insulation we apply at our houses, commercial places and industrial
buildings creates a comfort environment to work. Insulation is one of the important factor of
energy saving in buildings.
Following are the benefits of insulation:
2.2.1 Energy Conservation:

The conservation of energy is the most important purpose of insulation, the energy is conserved
by reducing heat flow.
2.2.2 Protection and comfort:

Hot surfaces have a danger for the people at the work place to accidently touch hot surface and
hurt themselves. This can be reduced by using insulation.

2.2.3 Maintenance of Process Temperature:
In temperature sensitive process industries and power plants it is necessary to insulate the pipeline
and tanks to maintain the required temperature.
2.2.4 Fire protection:

Damage due to fire can be reduced by using suitable incombustible insulation.
2.2.5 Reducing noise and vibration:

Thermal insulation also decreases noise and vibration. Different materials have ability to reduce
the intensity of sound and vibration.
2.3 General Types of Insulations:

Following are the basic types of insulation:
2.3.1 Fibrous insulation:

These materials are in the form of small diameter fine fibers. For example, wood fiber, cotton,
rock wool etc.
2.3.2 Cellular insulation:

These materials are in a form of small cells and are separated from one another like glass plastic.
2.3.3 Granular insulation:

These materials are in the form of granular that may contain hallow spaces like calcium silicate
and perlite.
2.4 Forms of insulation:

Forms of insulation relate with the overall shape and application of insulation. Following are the
forms of insulations that are used usually have blankets, sheets and flexible boards.
2.5 Insulation Materials:
Insulation materials are classified into natural and synthetic insulation materials. These materials
must have following properties.
Temperature Limits:
The material must retain its properties in a specified range of temperatures.
Thermal conductivity (K):
The insulation material must have low thermal conductivity values.
Thermal resistance (R):
The overall resistance of the material must be high to have greater insulating impacts.
2.5.1 Synthetic insulation materials:

Synthetic insulation materials are those materials that are formed by the chemical combination of
different substances for example the formation of polyurethane from polyol and poly-isocyanate.
Other examples are polyester, poly styrene etc.
2.5.2 Natural insulations materials:

These materials are naturally available in raw form like straw, cotton, wood fiber, sheep wool
etc. But we have developed some methodology to use these materials for insulation purposes.
Here in this report we will discuss some methods to assemble these materials for proper
insulation.
2.6 History of natural insulation materials:

Early people build their houses from animal skin, wool and plants related products like straw.
With the passage of time the more durable material like stone and wood similarly the caves were
built at the same time and they also covered their houses with mud which has magnificent
insulation properties, it also provides a slow temperature changes that keeps the inner warmer in
winter and cool in summer.
At the end of 18th century the concept of construction and planning was developed and there was
a vast change in life style and new material were used for construction like Iron, Steel, concrete
and glass. But the main problem was that these materials expand with the increase in the
temperature. Thus, there must be some thermal protection for them. This developed the idea of
modern insulation by the 20th century as a result flat roof made of concrete and frame structures
also need extra layer of thermal protection.
2.7 Recent Studies About Natural
Large number of researches are performed in the development of natural insulation materials few
of them are discussed here.
Jean-Luc and I. cosmin [1] have investigated the comparative life cycle of exterior wall that was
constructed using natural insulation materials. They concluded that linen panels are more
impacting than straw bundles.
A.Oushabi and S.Sair [2] have investigated the natural building materials composed of renewable
resources (Khalt, Boufeggous, Bu-Slikhen, Mejhoul, Admou, Khalt Zhar and Tazaout). They
concluded that the local date palm waste can be used for insulation due to low thermal conductivity
value.
A. Sutton and D. Black [3] have examined the benefits and the limitations of natural fiber
insulation. They conclude that natural materials are Low to zero toxins, easy to reuse/dispose of,
significant health benefits throughout life cycle.

T. E Ozkan and S. Yannas [4] have investigated a thermal performance of building insulation
materials. They concluded that indigenous materials have better thermal properties then
contemporary materials.
Dr. Mohammad and Al-Homoud [5] have presented an overview of the basic principles of
thermal insulation and survey the most commonly used building insulation materials, their
performance characteristics and proper applications.
A. Niachou and Papakonstantinou [6] gave the analysis of the thermal properties and energy
performance study of the green roof and also the thermal properties of the green roof, as well as,
the energy saving was examined.
F. D’Alessandro and S. Schiavoni [7] have provided a review of the main commercialized
insulation materials. Conventional (cellulose, fiberglass), alternative (sheep wool, Icy Nene) and
advanced (polystyrene, polyurethane) for the building sector through a holistic and
multidisciplinary approach, considering thermal properties, acoustic properties, reaction to fire
and water vapor resistance. The environmental issues were also taken into account by means of
Life Cycle Assessment approach.
D. Mačková and M. Spišáková [8] have analyzed and compared the cost and technological
parameters of house built by modern method of construction (from insulating concrete formwork)
and by traditional method (from brick system). In conclusion, there is selected optimal method
and system for house construction through multi criteria optimization.
V. Geža1 and A. Jakovičs [9] have analyzed material thermal conductivity dependence on
temperature. They conclude that thermal convection plays small role in heat transfer despite large
fraction of air within material pores.
S. Lucas and V. M. Ferreira [10] have presented an environmental and economical evaluation
and comparison of different exterior thermal insulation focusing on the insulation materials
selection. The result, in the form of a score system, enables to perform a more adequate
comparison and selection of building insulating materials.
J.S. Pérez and M. Demertzi [11] analyzed in detail the sustainability of cork as an insulation
material, quantifying the environmental impact of producing boards of white agglomerated and
expanded cork. The results indicate that the use of natural insulation materials
does not necessarily imply a reduction of environmental impacts due to manufacturing
processes with a low technological development.
M. Volfa and J. Diviša [12] have studied the following materials: sheep wool, raw sheep wool,
wood fiber, hemp, flax, straw bale and compressed straw panel. The main examined parameters
are the thermal capacity, thermal conductivity, volume density and sorption isotherm, which are
stated and compared.
2.8 Conclusion
It can be figure out from the above literature review that the insulation is an essential step toward
energy efficient buildings. There are lot of materials that are available naturally to be used as
insulation. Most prominent materials are wood fiber, straw, cotton, cork etc. but we have to make
a methodology to apply these materials for insulations of buildings. These materials will decrease
the rate of heat transfer between surrounding and building. Insulated buildings have clear
advantages over conventional buildings.

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
Natural insulations are chosen based on availability and cost. In the present work, we have
performed the following steps.
 Material setup
We selected the materials including straw, cotton and wood fiber after deep study of
research papers.
 Congregation of materials
For 12 by 12 feet roof top we collected a selected amount of three materials for
insulation.
 Experimental setup
After insulation, we measured Temperature difference from thermal camera, humidity

from hygrometer and noise by noise meter.
Firstly, we select the materials and then the next step is to assemble these materials in a
proper shape i.e. tiles. After this this we apply them on the roof top and note the
temperature difference between the room insulation and without insulation room.
CHAPTER 4: MATERIAL SELECTION
Natural insulation materials are selected after the deep study of different materials. Following
materials are selected on basis of availability, cost and accessibility for insulation purposes.
4.1 Wheat Straw
Straw is a residual left after the harvesting of crops like rice and wheat that is easily available in
rural areas. Straw is durable and light weight. It can be woven to any shape. What we will do is
to make a mixture of straw with mud and then mold it into a form of tile by using suitable binder.
Figure 2 Straw
4.2 Cotton
Cotton is a soft hairy fiber that grows in a boll around a seed of a cotton plant of the genus
Gossypiumen. The fiber is almost pure cellulose under natural conditions, the cotton bolls will
increase the dispersal of the seeds.
Figure 3 Cotton
4.3 Wood Fiber

Wood fibers are usually cellulosic elements that are extracted from trees and used to make
materials including paper. Esters of cellulose usually made cellulosic fibers. Wood fiber are easily
available in market. They are usually made through proper compressing of wood fibers in the
shape of board. The thermal conductivity value ranging upto 0.043 W/mK.
Figure 4 Wood Fiber Board
All these materials are implemented in the form of tiles that can be replaced easily. We are
insulating a room of 12"x12". Total of 144 titles will be used to insulate the whole room.
Temperatures difference will be measured in the same conditions so that we can compare results.
Figure 5 Software Model of Tile

CHAPTER 5: CONGREGATION OF MATERIAL
We have decided to proceed our working with the above three materials. A frame of steel is
required that can help us to shape the tiles in a proper way. The stainless steel is very useful in
casting different material tiles repeatedly. It is corrosion resistant and has high strength.
Figure 6 Top view of Frame
Figure 7 Side view of Frame
Figure 8 Isometric view

Figure 9 Practical Model
Two handles are used on the ends to make us comfortable during the casting of tiles. This frame
will help us to cast four tiles a time.
5.1 Wheat Straw Congregation

Our first material is straw. It is not good in binding. We have to use a binder that can help us to
shape straw in a proper way. A binder is material that hold different materials together. There are
multiple binders that can be used like wax, linseed oil, gum Arabic, gum tragacanth, methyl
cellulose. Our focus is on the natural sources which can help us to bind straw in the form of tile.
On the basis of we have decided to use mud along with to make a mixture and then mold this
mixture in the form of tile. The process of congregation of straw started with the gathering of
mud.
Mud is very economic and is easily available.
Figure 10 Mud and Ground

After the mud is collected straw is gathered. Straw is easily available in rural areas.
Figure 11 Straw
Homogenous mixture of mud and straw is done with the help of different mixing instruments.
This homogenous mixture is then used to cast tiles with the help of steel frame. After the casting
these tiles are left to dry for one day under the sunlight so that all the water gets evaporated.
About 60% of the heat is transferred from the roof top. These tiles will be used to insulate roof.
Figure 12 Side view of Tile

Figure 13 Top view of Tile
Steps for congregation of straw:
Figure 14 Steps of formation of straw Tiles

5.2 Congregation of wood fiber:
Wood fiber is easily available but the main problem how we apply it for the insulation of the roof.
We have to bind these materials fibers in order to make sheets or tiles so that they are easily be
executed for insulation. For this purpose first the raw chips are refined and then mixed with the
water and then binders and additives (epoxy resins are added for the binding of these chips. Then
we pass the raw materials from presses and then the moisture is removed by the driers. At last we
cut them in proper dimensions. We bought wood fiber from market.
5.3 Congregation of cotton:

Cotton is easily available but main problem is how we use the cotton for insulation of buildings.
Here we use the compressed cotton in the form of sheets. Which is formed by compressing the
raw cotton under high pressure.
Conversion of raw cotton into tiles:
Figure 15 Raw Cotton to Compressed Cotton
The raw cotton is compressed under a high pressure in a mold of thickness 1.5 inches ad get a
proper shape of tile as shown in the figure above.
CHAPTER 6 EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:
The above formed materials are now implemented on the roof top. Temperature Difference,
Humidity difference and Noise difference are the physical properties that we will observe.
Temperature will be measured at six different points with and without insulation to observe the
effect of insulation. Thermal camera will be used to measure temperature. Hygrometer will be
used to measure humidity. Noise meter will be used to measure noise.
Apparatus:
• Thermal camera
Specifications:
Model: FLIR TG167
Spectral range 8–14 μm

Focus Manual
Operating temperature -10 to +45ºC (+14 to 113ºF)
range )
Display 2.0 in. TFT LCD
Accuracy ±1.5% or 1.5°C (2.7°F)
Figure 16 Thermal Camera

 Hygrometer
Specifications:
Model: HTC-1
Ranges -50 to 70° C

Accuracy ±1°C
Dimensions 106x92x22 mm
Humidity Accuracy ± 5% RH
Figure 17 Hygrometer
• Noise Meter
Specifications:
Following specifications of noise meter.
Model: MASSTECH MS6700 digital sound level measurement.
Accuracy ±1.5dB
Dynamic range 50dB
Operating 0 ~ +40℃
temperature
Operating 10 ~ 80%RH
humidity
Figure 18 Noise Meter

6.1 Cotton Insulation
Cotton was installed on the roof in the shape of sheet as a natural building insulation material. As
shown in the figure below.
Figure 19 Cotton insulation
Temperature Difference, Humidity difference and Noise difference are the physical properties that
we will observe. Temperature will be measured at six different points with and without insulation
to observe the effect of insulation. Thermal camera will be used to measure temperature.
Hygrometer will be used to measure humidity. Noise meter will be used to measure noise.
6.1.1 Day 1 (Cotton)

Thermal camera results:
1)
Figure 20 Outside Temperature Figure 21 Without insulation Figure 22 With insulation

. maximum value corresponding value
. Figure 23 Without insulation Figure 24 With insulation .
. minimum value corresponding value
2)

.
. Figure 28 Without insulation Figure 29 With insulation .
3)

.
Figure 33 Without insulation Figure 34 With insulation .
…………………… minimum value corresponding value
4)

……………………minimum value corresponding value
Temperature chart day 1:

Material Time Out Side Temperature without insulation Temperature with insulation Temperature difference
temperature P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
c
o 12:45 32.0 27.6 28.0 27.8 28.0 27.6 28.2 25.8 26.1 25.7 26.1 25.7 26.1 1.8 1.9 2.1 2.0 1.9 2.1
t 1:30 33.5 27.6 28.1 27.9 28.0 28.0 28.1 25.6 26.5 25.9 25.8 26.3 26.2 2.0 1.6 2.0 2.2 1.7 1.9
t 2:30 34.0 27.9 28.1 28.0 28.1 27.9 28.0 26.0 26.3 25.9 26.2 25.9 26.0 1.9 1.8 2.1 1.9 2.0 2.0
o 3:15 33.5 27.8 27.9 27.6 28.0 27.8 27.9 25.7 25.8 25.6 25.8 25.7 25.8 2.1 2.1 2.0 2.2 2.1 2.1
n
Figure 40 Temperature without insulation graph day 1

Temperature with insulation graph
(Day1)
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Different points
12:45 PM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM 3:15 PM
Figure 41 Temperature with insulation graph

day 1
Humidity and Noise Chart Day 1:
Humidity Noise
With Without Outside With Without External
insulation insulation insulation insulation
22% 23% 35% 35.4 50.0 46.3
20% 23% 34% 36.6 61.2 52.2
20% 22% 30% 31.3 55.0 61.8
21% 20% 30% 35.3 43.0 56.0
Figure 42 Noise Outside

Figure 43 Noise Inside
Figure 44 Humidity chart Day 1
Figure 45 Noise chart Day 1

1)

Figure 49 Without insulation Figure 50 With insulation

2)

Figure 54 Without insulation Figure 55 With insulation
3)


…………………………minimum value corresponding value
4)


C
O 12:45 39.8 31.7 32.0 31.9 32.1 31.7 31.8 29.9 29.9 29.9 30.2 29.6 29.6 1.8 2.1 2.0 1.9 2.1 2.2
T 1:30 42.5 33.5 33.7 33.2 33.1 32.9 33.2 31.5 31.2 31.4 31.4 31.1 31.1 2.0 2.5 1.8 1.7 1.8 2.1
T 2:30 42.0 34.2 33.5 33.1 33.4 33.2 33.0 32.1 31.9 31.0 31.4 31.2 30.9 2.1 1.6 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.1
O 3:15 39.2 32.2 32.5 31.9 32.4 32.3 31.9 30.0 29.9 29.9 30.3 30.4 29.8 2.2 2.6 2.0 2.1 1.9 2.1
N
Figure 67 Temperature with insulation graph day 2

Humidity and Noise Chart Day 2:
Humidity Noise
20 23 24 35.4 51.0 55.3
19 23 25 36.6 50.7 52.2
20 22 24 33.6 55.8 50.0
21 20 23 34.3 43.7 52.0
Figure 68 Noise Outside
Figure 69 Noise Inside

Figure 70 Humidity chart day 2
Figure 71 Noise chart day 2


1)


2)

…… … minimum value corresponding value
3)


4)


Material Time Out Side Temperature with insulation Temperature without insulation Temperature difference
C
O 12:45 35.5 28.8 29.3 29.1 28.7 29.0 28.5 27.3 26.9 26.7 27.0 26.8 26.1 1.5 2.4 2.4 1.7 2.2 2.4
T 1:30 37.3 30.7 30.3 30.6 30.5 30.9 30.1 28.4 27.8 29.1 29.0 29.2 28.3 2.3 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.7 1.8
T 2:30 37.9 31.3 31.4 31.6 31.2 31.9 31.5 29.0 29.7 29.1 28.9 29.6 29.2 2.3 1.7 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.3
O 3:15 37.7 30.5 30.2 30.1 30.9 30.9 31.2 28.0 27.9 27.8 28.2 29.3 28.5 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.7 1.6 2.7
N
Humidity chart day 3:

Humidity Noise
32 33 34 49.9 53.3 60.5
29 31 32 50.0 54.9 61.8
29 31 32 51.6 56.8 62.9
29 31 32 52.3 59.7 60.3
Figure 94 Outside Figure 95 inside noise

6.2 Straw Insulation:
Straw was installed on the roof in the shape of tiles as a natural building insulation material.
Properties were measured before and it was installed to check the thermal insulation properties.
Figure 98 Straw tiles
6.2.1 Day 1 (Straw)

Thermal camera readings:
1)
2)

3)

4)
S
T 12:45 39.9 31.7 32.5 31.8 32.2 32.1 32.9 29.7 30.0 29.1 29.8 29.4 29.7 2.0 2.5 2.7 2.4 2.7 3.2
1:30 42.0 33.5 33.7 33.6 33.8 34.0 33.7 29.7 29.4 29.2 29.2 29.2 29.0 3.8 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.8 4.7
R 42.5
2:30 34.2 34.1 34.2 33.7 34.4 34.4 30.3 30.6 30.9 30.5 30.2 30.4 3.9 3.5 3.3 3.2 4.2 4.0
A 3:15 41.7 33.2 33.9 33.3 32.9 33.5 33.5 30.4 29.8 29.2 29.1 29.6 28.9 2.8 4.1 4.1 3.8 3.9 4.6
w

Humidity and Noise chart Day 1:
Humidity Noise
30 30 29 33.6 39.0 42.3
29 29 28 36.6 42.2 44.2
29 29 28 37.2 45.0 43.0
30 30 29 35.3 42.0 45.7
Figure 121 Noise outside

Figure 122 Noise inside

6.2.2 Day 2 (Straw)
1)

2)
3)

4)

Temperature chart Day 2:

Temperature P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
S 12:45 39.8 33.5 35.3 34.5 34.4 34.7 34.7 31.0 32.8 31.6 31.3 31.9 31.5 2.5 2.5 2.9 3.1 2.8 3.2
T 1:30 42.5 34.0 35.4 34.7 34.7 35.0 35.2 30.3 31.6 29.9 30.6 31.0 30.6 3.7 3.8 4.8 4.1 4.0 4.6
R 2:30 42.0 33.8 35.2 34.6 34.6 34.8 35.0 30.0 31.3 30.7 30.4 30.7 31.1 3.8 3.9 3.9 4.2 4.1 3.9
A 3:15 39.2 33.2 35.0 34.5 34.2 34.2 34.0 29.9 30.9 30.7 30.3 30.4 30.0 3.3 4.1 3.8 3.9 3.8 4.0
w
Figure 145 Temperature without insulation Graph (Day 2)
Figure 146 Temperature with insulation graph (Day 2)
Humidity Noise
With Without Outside With insulation Without External
insulation insulation insulation
30 30 29 32.7 36.7 41.3
29 29 28 31.3 38.2 42.0
29 29 28 34.2 36.8 45.4
30 30 29 32.8 37.4 42.0
Figure 147 Outside noise
Figure 148 Inside noise

Figure 149 straw humidity graph (day 2)
Figure 150 straw noise graph (day 2)
6.2.3 Day 3 (Straw)

1)
2)

3)

4)

Temperature P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
S 12:15 37.8 31.2 31.5 31.5 31.9 32.1 31.8 28.8 29.4 29 29.4 29.3 28.7 2.4 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.8 3.1
T 1:30 40.2 34.7 34.2 34.7 34.3 34.2 34.5 31.8 31.7 32.1 32 31.5 32.1 2.9 2.5 2.6 2.3 2.7 2.4
R 2:30 42.5 36.4 36.5 37.1 36.9 36.3 36.5 33.3 33 33.7 33.1 32.2 32.6 3.1 3.5 3.4 3.8 4.1 3.9
A 3:15 41.7 35.2 35.8 35.3 35.5 35.8 35.4 32.5 33.4 32.3 32.4 32.9 31.9 2.7 2.4 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.5
w
Figure 171 straw without insulation graph (day 3)

Figure 172 straw with insulation graph (day 3)
Humidity Noise
With Without Outside With insulation Without External
insulation insulation insulation
31 31 32 51.4 51.0 62.3
29 29 30 52.2 67.7 63.2
28 28 29 50.0 55.8 61.8
28 28 29 50.8 43.7 61.5

Figure 175 straw humidity graph (day 3)
Figure 176 straw noise graph (day 3)
6.3 Wood Fiber insulation:
Figure 177 Wood Fiber

6.3.1 Day 1 (Wood Fiber)
1)
Figure 178 Outside Temperature Figure 179 Without insulation Figure180 With insulation

2)
3)

4)


W temperature P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
O
O
D
F 12:45 39.8 31.7 31.5 31.8 32.2 32.1 32.9 27.3 27.6 27.5 27.6 27.5 27.7 4.4 3.9 4.3 4.6 4.6 5.2
I 1:30 42.0 33.5 33.7 33.6 33.8 34.0 33.7 28.1 28.4 28.2 27.8 27.9 27.9 5.4 5.3 5.4 6.0 6.1 5.8
B 2:30 42.5 34.7 34.1 34.2 33.7 34.4 34.4 29.3 29.0 29.2 28.8 28.8 28.9 5.4 5.1 5.0 4.9 5.6 5.5
E 3:15 41.7
R 33.2 33.9 33.3 32.9 33.5 33.5 28.7 29.3 28.1 28.4 28.4 27.9 4.5 4.6 5.2 4.5 5.1 5.6
Temperature without insulation graph
(Day1)
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Different
points
12:45PM 1:30PM 2:30PM 3:15PM
Figure 198 Temperature without insulation graph (day 1)
Temperature with insulation graph

(Day 1)
30
29
28
27
26
25
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Different points
12:45 PM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM 3:15 PM
Figure 199 wood fiber with insulation graph (day 1)
Humidity and noise chart Day 1:
Humidity Noise
33 32 31 33.6 37.0 42.0
30 29 28 31.3 40.2 52.2
30 29 28 31.4 48.0 50.0
32 31 30 30.1 43.0 56.0
Figure 200 Outside Noise
Figure 201 Inside noise
Figure 202 wood fiber humidity graph (day 1)

Figure 203 wood fiber noise graph (day 1)

2)

3)
4)

W temperature
O
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
O
D
F 12:45 39.9
30.7 31.8 31.5 30.8 30.5 30.9 26.4 27.6 27.0 25.9 25.7 26.1 4.3 4.2 4.5 4.9 4.8 4.8
I 1:30 42.5
31.5 31.2 32.8 31.8 31.5 32.3 26.3 26.1 27.2 25.9 25.8 26.7 5.2 5.1 5.6 5.9 5.7 5.6
B 2:30 42.0
E
31.6 31.3 31.8 32.8 31.9 31.9 26.6 26.4 26.4 27.9 26.6 26.4 5.0 4.9 5.4 4.9 5.3 5.5
3:15 39.2
R 30.5 30.1 30.1 30.6 30.4 30.8 24.8 24.4 24.7 25.3 24.7 24.9 5.7 5.7 5.4 5.3 5.7 5.9
Figure 224 wood fiber without insulation graph (day 2)

Humidity Noise
33 32 31 35.4 52.4 48.1
30 29 28 33.6 57.2 50.0
30 29 28 32.4 53.7 53.3
32 31 31 31.3 47.3 54.4


1)

2)

3)
4)

W temperature
O
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
O
37.8
D 31.2 31.5 31.5 31.9 32.1 31.8 27.1 27.0 26.9 27.7 27.6 27.1 4.1 4.5 4.6 4.2 4.5 4.7
F 40.2
34.7 34.2 34.7 34.3 34.2 34.5 29.4 29.2 29.5 29.2 28.8 29.1 5.3 5.0 5.2 5.1 5.4 5.4
I 42.5 36.9 31.0
36.4 36.5 37.1 36.3 36.5 30.7 31.2 31.6 31.3 30.8 5.7 5.3 5.5 5.6 5.3 5.7
B 41.7
35.2 35.8 35.3 35.5 35.8 35.4 30.0 30.7 29.9 30.2 30.4 29.5 5.2 5.1 5.4 5.3 5.4 5.9
E
R
Figure 251 wood fiber without insulation graph (day 3)

Humidity Noise
31 30 32 34.2 44.9 49.2
29 28 30 31.3 43.6 50.0
28 27 29 32.7 43.4 51.6
28 27 29 36.3 45.3 53.7
Figure 252 Outside noise Figure 253 inside noise

RESULTS:
1. Temperature difference charts for cotton:
The following charts shows the temperature difference for cotton insulation from the
charts we see that the temperature difference for cotton is about 2 degree Celsius.
Figure 256 Temperature difference chart for cotton day 1
Temperature Difference Cotton (Day2)

3
Temperature Difference
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15

Temperature Difference Cotton (Day 3)
3
2.5
1.5
0.5
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
Series1 Series2 Series3 Series4
1. Temperature difference chats for straw:
The following charts shows the temperature difference for straw insulation from the
charts we see that the temperature difference for cotton is about 4 degree Celsius.
Temperature Difference straw (Day 1)

6
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Axis Title
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15
Figure 259 Temperature difference chart for straw day 1

Temperature Difference straw (Day 2)
6
5
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15
Temperature difference straw (day 3)

4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15

1. Temperature difference charts for wood fiber:
The following charts shows the temperature difference for wood fiber insulation from the
charts we see that the temperature difference for cotton is about 6 degrees Celsius.
Temperature difference (day 1)

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15
Figure 262 Temperature difference chart for wood fiber day 1
Temperature Differece wood fiber (day 2)

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15

Temperature difference wood fiber (day 3)
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6
Points
12:45 1:30 2:30 3:15
Average temperature difference:

The chart below will show that the wood fiber has shown the highest temperature difference.
Average Temperature Difference

Chart
TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE (𝛥T)
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
1 2 3
DAYS
Cotton Straw Wood Fiber
Figure 265 Average temperature difference chart

Cost comparison:
At constant thickness (1.5 inch) the price per square feet is given in a chart below.
cost comparison
100 93.6
PRICE PER SQAURE FEET IN RUPEES
90
76.4
80
70
60
50
40
27.7
30
20
10
0
cotton straw wood fiber
MATERILAS
Figure 266 cost comparison for materials
Density comparison:
At constant thickness (1.5 inch) the density (g/cm3) is given in a chart below
Density Comparison
2.5
1.977
2
DENSITY (G/CM3)
1.5
1
0.618
0.45
0.5
0
cotton straw wood fiber
MATERIALS
Figure 267 density comparison for materials

CONCLUSION:
In above study, a methodology is opted for improving the insulation of buildings. Based upon
experimental results it can be concluded that natural building insulation materials have the
potential to overcome the synthetic insulation materials. In experimental evaluation we have
measured temperature data at six different points to improve the accuracy and reduce the error.
The goal, as mentioned above, was to use natural materials for development of thermal insulations.
The results shows that wood fiber insulation has a maximum temperature difference of 5.9ºC,
while the straw insulation has a maximum temperature difference of 4.9ºC, and the cotton
insulation has maximum temperature difference of 2.7ºC. Wood fiber was the first material,
already available in market and has good compressive strength. Wheat Straw is the second material
easily available in rural areas. Straw. Cotton is the last material, it is the most expensive material
among the above materials and shows the worst insulation properties. From above mentioned
results, wood fiber showed higher insulation properties than other materials. It is noticed that wheat
straw is cheapest materials with price 27.7 Rupees per square feet, while wood fiber cost is 76.4
Rupees per square feet and cotton cost is 93.6 Rupees per square feet. Considering the cost and
insulation properties we recommend the wood fiber for insulating houses. It is also noticed there
is a very little impact of insulation on humidity and noise level.
In future, the scope of study can be extended by using different materials with different thicknesses
and compare the performance with the present materials. To improve this study further, we can
test different organic materials on a small box. In this way properties can be measured in a better
way.
REFERENCES
[1] Jean-Luc and I. cosmic “A comparative life cycle assessment of exterior wall
constructed using natural insulation materials.” HAL Id: hal-00952027 submitted on 26 Feb
2014.
[2] A.Oushabi and S.Sair “Natural thermal insulation material composed of renewable
recourse characterization of local date palm fiber.” ISSN : 2028-2508.
[3] A. Sutton and D. Black “Natural fiber insulation an introduction to low impact
building materials.” University of Bath IP 18/11.
[4] S. T. Elias-Ozkan and S. Yannas “A comparative study of the thermal performance of

building materials.” Department of Architecture, Middle East Technical University, Ankara,
Turkey.
[5] Dr. Mohammad Al-Homoud “Optimal Thermal Design of Office Buildings”

international journal of international research Vol. 21 (1997).
[6] A Niachou and Papakonstantinou “Analysis of Green roof thermal properties and
investigation of its energy performance.” Department of applied physics, national
kapodistrian university of Athens, 15784 Athens Greece. Accepted on 10 January 2001.
[7] F. D’Alessandro and S. Schiavoni “A review of unconventional sustainable

building insulation materials.” July 2015.
[8] D. Mačková and M. Spišáková “The benefits of modern method of construction

based on wood in the context of sustainability.” International journal of Environmental
Science and Technology, March 2017.
[9] V. Geža1 and A. Jakovičs1 “Thermal conductivity of disperse insulation materials

and their mixtures.” V Geža et al 2017 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 251 012012.
[10] S. Lucas and V. M. Ferreira “Latent heat storage in PCM containing mortars—Study
of microstructural modifications.” University of Minho, Department of Civil Engineering,
Campus de Azurém, 4800 058 Guimarães, Portugal, 26 July 2013.
[11] J.S. Pérez and M. Demertzi “Environmental assessment of façade-building system and
thermal insulation materials for different climate conditions.” Journal of Cleaner Production,
1 February 2016.
[12] M. Volfa and J. Divišab “Thermal, moisture and biological behavior of natural
insulating materials.” 6th International Building Physics Conference, IBPC 2015.

Comparitive Analysis of Natural Building Insulation Materials

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Comparitive Analysis of Natural Building Insulation Materials

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS OF NATURAL BUILDING

By Muhammad Usman Akhtar, Fahad Riasat,

Supervisor Engr. Mushtaq Ahmad

Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Engineering and

Supervisor Engr. Mushtaq Ahmad ------------------------

Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Engineering

Engr Mushtaq Ahmad (Supervisor)

Mr. Nisar (Mechanical workshop)

materials and the cotton showed the least.

• Improving the insulation of buildings.

• Reducing the leakage of air.

• Improving the control of solar radiations.

Figure 1 Heat Loss in Building

the Roof top and compare the results of these materials.

2.1 THERMAL INSULATION:

comfort and protection of equipment.

2.2 BENEFITS OF INSULATION:

energy saving in buildings.

Following are the benefits of insulation:

2.2.1 Energy Conservation:

by reducing heat flow.

2.2.2 Protection and comfort:

hurt themselves. This can be reduced by using insulation.

and tanks to maintain the required temperature.

2.2.4 Fire protection:

2.2.5 Reducing noise and vibration:

the intensity of sound and vibration.

2.3 General Types of Insulations:

2.3.1 Fibrous insulation:

rock wool etc.

2.3.2 Cellular insulation:

2.3.3 Granular insulation:

2.4 Forms of insulation:

must have following properties.

The material must retain its properties in a specified range of temperatures.

Thermal conductivity (K):

The insulation material must have low thermal conductivity values.

Thermal resistance (R):

2.5.1 Synthetic insulation materials:

Other examples are polyester, poly styrene etc.

2.5.2 Natural insulations materials:

2.6 History of natural insulation materials:

winter and cool in summer.

also need extra layer of thermal protection.

2.7 Recent Studies About Natural

of them are discussed here.

impacting than straw bundles.

significant health benefits throughout life cycle.

performance characteristics and proper applications.

the energy saving was examined.

multidisciplinary approach, considering thermal properties, acoustic properties, reaction to fire

Life Cycle Assessment approach.

and system for house construction through multi criteria optimization.

fraction of air within material pores.

comparison and selection of building insulating materials.

does not necessarily imply a reduction of environmental impacts due to manufacturing

processes with a low technological development.

stated and compared.

advantages over conventional buildings.

performed the following steps.

After insulation, we measured Temperature difference from thermal camera, humidity

4.1 Wheat Straw

4.3 Wood Fiber