Agricultural waste-derived thermal insulating material

Abstract

This invention presents the utilization of amorphous porous silicate particles (APSP) derived from rice husk agricultural waste sourced from Mindanao, Philippines, as an additive and replacement to sand in cement mortars. The solid-liquid ratio, percent water absorption, total porosity, specific gravity, linear shrinkage, surface morphology, modulus of rupture (MOR), and thermal conductivity of the cement blocks were analyzed. Additionally, the researchers valuated different formulations, such as the control and the three different APSP formulations, namely APSP-33, APSP-50, and APSP-100. Moreover, analysis shows that the formulation of APSP100 cement mortars reveals a higher MOR value, lightweight at 0.77 in density, and a lower thermal conductivity. Furthermore, experiment results showed that the APSP could be used as an additive or to replace sand and can be a potential material for thermal management applications with a thermal conductivity of 0.1497 w / mK. The possible use of this material can be found suitable for commercial use, such as lightweight blocks, boards, and other household applications for thermal management.