e-ISSN (O): 2348-4470

Scientific Journal of Impact Factor (SJIF): 4.72

p-ISSN (P): 2348-6406

International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research

Development
Volume 4, Issue 2, February -2017

A Review on the usage of Agro Based Material for Developing Thermal

Insulation
Sustainable development in buidlings using eco-friendly thermal insulation
Chirag Jivrajani1
1
Mechanical Engineering, Nirma University

Abstract For thermal comfort many of the conventional materials are widely used which are basically made from the
petrochemicals and other fossil fuels which are decreasing yearly and are harmful to the environment during production
and degradation stage i.e. recycling and reusing from their end lives. For the concept of Sustainability in building,
studies are going on in development of thermal insulation from eco-friendly materials and for sound acoustic also. Some
of them, such as wood fiber, coconut fiber are widely used and commercialized, but still performance are to be improved
as that of conventional ones. The main aim of this paper is to state an art on agro based materials used for thermal
insulation for building or any other application which have not been commercialized yet. Information on thermal
conductivity and board density of various agro based materials are summarized. Particular consideration was paid to
researches engrossed to feat local materials and even industrial byproducts, since these methodologies respectively
bound transportation and throwing away effects.

Keywords: Thermal Insulation; Eco-friendly materials; Agro-based materials; Green Building; Thermal Comfort;
Biodegradable materials; Sustainable Development.

I. INTRODUCTION

Thermal comfort have become a necessary aspect for living beings.as the climate changes the thermal comfort differs.
Heat gain and heat loss in summer and winter respectively affect the thermal comfort .to maintain it a huge amount of
energy is required in form of fans, chillers, refrigeration, HVAC, air conditioning, heater etc. This all appliances
consumes higher amount of energy.as the heat load increases the power consumption increases. The power generation are
mainly from the source of fossil fuels and we know that fossil fuel are depleting day by day. It is stated in 2003 that oil
and gas reserves are likely to be distinct in 45 years and 65 years respectively [1]. India is generating about 70% of its
electricity from coal based power plants [1]. In 2012-2013 about 693.3MT CO2 was emitted to produce electricity, while
from that 60-70% was consumed by buildings. U.S. department of energy and European commission also stated that 40%
of world global energy is consumed in building, building also consumed 25% of global water, 40% of global resources
and for green house emission gases they are responsible by 1/3 rd. Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) and
Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) in Europe analyzing the energy needs in building application are targeting to reduce it
by 17% in 2050. Here to produce 1kwh of power 1 kg of CO2 is emitted in the environment which causes pollution and
health problem to living beings. Thus for thermal comfort building energy demands are increasing to retain that Thermal
Insulation should be provided. It also provided to reduce thermal conductance, convection and radiation.
Many conventional insulating are available in the market and they are widely used to maintain thermal comfort as well
as other preserving and packaging products too. This conventional material are generally made up from the plastic family
materials, thus are not degradable, and causes environmental and human health problems. For retaining this problem and
for sustainability in building point of view, the use recycled/renewable materials have to be invented for thermal
insulation. These are mainly industrial waste, agriculture waste and recyclable waste. Many of renewable/eco-friendly
materials are available in the market. They are very interesting from sustainable point of view because of its low
emission of CO2 and great potential to resist heat and cold. For the reduction of energy demands in building sector
Passive building, Zero Energy Building and Green building have invented. Out of which green building is famous
now a days and also for sustainability purpose and making awareness and their use certain environmental certificates are
given such as BREEAM, LEED, DGNB and green mark.
Extra driving force could originate from the New Member States and Associated States of the European Union owing to
their huge farming and silvicultural ranges and large potential for development in rural practice. Regular decisions of
thermal insulation are fiberglass, Rockwool and mineral fleece. These materials may be the reason for environmental
risks. The little particles from fiberglass and glass wool insulation can wind up with wellbeing danger and respiratory or
skin aggravation. Breathing strands may bring about hacking and throat aggravation. Grassfires of respirable size was
recorded by The Seventh Annual Report on Carcinogens as a substance which is a possibility to bring about growth in
people. Most thermal insulation batts incorporate formaldehyde tar which may influence delicate individuals and reason
asthma. Cellulose insulation with lethal, flame hindering chemicals like boric corrosive, were specified to damage human
wellbeing. Warm protection materials have low warm conductivity, dampness security, and form and imperviousness to
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fire. Generally utilized sorts of protecting materials are inorganic stringy and natural frothy materials extended and
expelled polystyrene and polyurethane. It is cautioned that ecological and wellbeing effects should likewise be
considered other than different focuses. Since the flow prominent protection materials have unsafe reactions, elective
protection materials fulfilling the new models must be look [2]
Thermal ease is the vital issue in upholding the health and gratification of the wearer. Human body himself controls
temperature by interior metabolism, blood flow, physical activities or instinctive muscle reduction in trembling and
clothing fabrics act as obstacles or shields for the heat transfer between the wearer and atmosphere[3]. Due to National
regulation, Building insulation has been increased as minimum values obligatory for thermal transmittance, not only for
thermal conductivity but also for indoor air quality. Insulation is not the energy unit but it is a part of energy saving
measures for building or any other application[4]. The fast urbanization is making a setback of traditional building
development materials because of constrained accessibility of common assets. Then again vitality devoured for the
creation of ordinary building development materials contaminates air, water and land. With a specific end goal to meet
the always expanding interest for the vitality proficient building development materials there is a need to embrace savvy,
naturally fitting innovations and update conventional methods with accessible nearby materials. With a specific end goal
to take care of regularly expanding lodging demand, there is an exponential need of generation of development materials
like blocks, bond, totals, steel, aluminum, wood, cladding and parceling materials. The generation of traditional building
materials for example, concrete, blocks and steel expend a great deal of warm and electrical vitality and thusly
contaminate air, water and land. The utilization of proper building materials has not got sufficient consideration. Transfer
of strong waste created from horticultural and modern generation movement is another major issue in creating nations
like India. The real amounts of squanders produced from farming sources are sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, jute fiber,
coconut husk, cotton stalk, and so on. The significant amount of squanders created from farming sources are sugarcane
bagasse, paddy and wheat straw and husk, squanders of vegetables, nourishment items, tea, oil generation, jute fiber,
groundnut shell, wooden factory waste, coconut husk, cotton stalk, and so on. The major mechanical non-perilous
inorganic strong squanders are coal ignition buildups (CCRs), bauxite red mud, tailings from aluminum, iron, copper and
zinc essential extraction forms. Yearly Asia generates 4.4 billion tons of solid waste. Agriculture sources alone produce
350 MT of waste yearly while India creates 600MT of waste[5].
Taking a glance at the history of insulating material, it directed that from the caves to super insulated houses, individuals
have shown the need of insurance from the components. The genuine causes of the exploration of thermal insulation,
however are hard to recognize. Natural materials have served as regular model for thermal separators. Transformative
examples incorporate hide covering the polar bear or plumes on a feathered creature, cotton, fleece, straw and even hair.
Additionally, ancient individuals dressed themselves with fleece and skins from creatures and manufactured homes of
wood, stone, earth, and different materials for insurance from the frosty winter and the warmth of summer.
For thousands of years, house structures were planned to best suit the climate of their position. For example, consuming
the earth as insulator, the Egyptians superannuated to the coolness of subterranean cavities and caverns on warm days[6].
Historians have faith in that the ancient Greeks and Romans exposed asbestos and originate many uses for it because of
its resistance to heat and fire. The romans also used cork for insulation in shoes in order to keep their feet warm. Pliny, in
the first century, mentioned to the use of cork as an insulating material for roofs. Early inhibitions of Spain wrinkled their
stone houses with cork bark, and North African populaces used cork mixed with clay for the walls of their houses[7].
As technology developed, also inventions to advance the comfort of human beings. Outline of the fire place and chimney
by the Norwegians an people of Iceland during twelfth and thirteenth centuries provided skillful, artificial heat[6]. It was
obvious that the job rapidly became not only how to keep heat out but also how to keep heat in. The Thatched huts of
north Europe were built with a roofs, up to 2 ft. thick, of woven straw and walls of clay and straw. Early Spanish mission
houses of the south westerns United States, where temperature rises to 120 to 140F, were comparatively cool due to clay
straw walls some feet thick. Similarly, the native people of South Seas built huts of dried sea grass. The hollow fiber of
the dried sea grass provided a decent degree of thermal resistance[7]. Mineral fiber additional significant thermal
insulating material was first cast-off by citizens of Hawaiian Island to blank their huts. The fibers came from volcanic
pledges, where escaping steam had broken the molten lava into fluffy fibers.
Blanket type insulation were being industrialized throughout the 1890s. One such product known as Cabots Quilt, was
introduced by Samuel Cabot in 1891. The material consisted of a matting of Zoster marina, a marine plant also known as
eel grass, sandwiched or stitched between two layers of craft paper[7].
Mineral Wool was first commercially shaped as pipe insulation in Wales in 1840 and in the United States for the first
time in 1875[8] It was almost 60 years later, in 1897, that C.C. Hall, a chemical engineer, produced Rockwool. By 1901,
he was producing this product commercially at a plant in Alexandria, Indiana[7],[9].
Fiberglass had its first beginnings in antiquated Egypt, when individuals found that they could draw hot glass into strings,
which were set around vessel for adornment. The current method of making fiberglass insulation, created in 1931,
includes flying of liquid glass through modest warmed gaps into rapid air streams, wherein the subsequent strands are
attracted slight and to incredible length[10]. Created by Owens-Illinos, the Coring Glass Company was the sole maker of
this material, later known as Owens-Coring fiberglass.

Wood shaving were an extremely famous insulation item because of the wide accessibility of crude materials and their
minimal effort when the new century rolled over. Shavings frequently were treated with lime or some other compound to

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builds imperviousness to water ingestion, fire and parasitic development. Theories were called balsa fleece and were well
known in homes of north eastern United States.

Straw bundle development additionally has been around since the "outskirts days" of the United States and is most
normal in the western fields states. Intelligent insulation materials, utilizing brilliant metallic surfaces, were initially
patented in 1804. Aluminum in the long run turned into the overwhelming intelligent materials, however it didn't
accomplish business ubiquity until the 1930s[7]. The genesis of insulation board items dates to 1910. Two semi rigid
insulation items produced using flax were fabricated in Minnesota, called Flaxlinum and Fibro fit. These eventually were
supplanted by inflexible insulation board items by taking wood mash waste items, known as sulfite screening and
preparing and drying them into an unbending, light weight protecting material[11] By, 1920, Celotex Company presented
a protecting material board from bagasse, waste by result of sugar stick after the juice has been extracted[7]. This was
trailed by Celotex's Cenesto, a heat proof insulation board surfaced one or both sides with asbestos concrete utilized
essentially for ease housing[11]. Lower thickness insulation sheets, blandly having a place with the group of fiber sheets
items, were accessible in thicknesses extending from 7/16 to 1" and now and again up to 3". Fiberboard insulation
ordinarily was utilized as a machine over the wood studs, a mortar base over masonry and even sometimes as an inside
finish[11].

In 1920 ubiquity of fiber sheets raised and aluminum and copper were applies to the batts of intelligent foils[11]. While
glass fiber item began up in 1930s. In soonest of 1920s insulation were not required for building materials as
development materials were sufficiently solid while after that lighter materials were delivered along these lines interest
of insulation increased[8].In 1928the Milam building in San Antonio, Texas turned into a first skyscraper with cooling
framework and after which insulation necessity increased[12].

Expelled Polystyrene insulation initially was produced by the Dow Chemical Company in the United States in the mid's
1940s, known as Styrofoam, it was initially utilized as a flotation material as a part of life rafts and rafts on the grounds
that its completely shut cell structure renders its very impervious to water retention. From[13], it was found that in 1970
interest for thermal insulation expanded because of Energy preservation act from Federal Energy Management
Improvement Act (FEMIA) of 1988 which inferred that 10% energy lessening in per square foot by the building
fabricated somewhere around 1985 and 1995 which was trailed by the Energy Policy Act 1992(EPACT). This Act
expanded insulation and vitality proficiency necessity for government, vitality and shoppers. Cell insulation was
produced in 1940 yet fiberglass got to be well known after World War II[14],[15]. Be that as it may, as in 1970 vitality
emergencies expanded cell insulation have additionally groaned yet now just few organizations remains committed to
refining the material[16]. Urea formaldehyde froth insulation (UFFI) was presented in 1960, it is principle pitch blend of
formaldehyde and of every one of its mixes, it contributes the most to indoor air issues in view of it water solvency. Be
that as it may, wellbeing Complaints gazed in 1978 and in 1980 UFFI was banned in Canada[17]

In this paper the properties related to thermal insulation, type of thermal insulation, agro-based materials literature review
whose study has already been done, their thermal conductivity and conclusion for the agro-based material for their ability
to work as thermal insulation.

II. TYPES AND FORM OF THERMAL INSULATION

In [18] three types of insulation where discussed which are as follows:

1) Fibrous Insulation - composed of small diameter fibers which finely divide the air space. The fibers may be
perpendicular or parallel to the surface being insulated, and they may or may not be bonded together.
2) Cellular Insulation - composed of small individual cells separated from each other.
3) Granular Insulation - composed of small nodes which may contain holes or muffled spaces. It is not considered
a true cellular material since gas can be transferred between the individual spaces. This type may be produced as
a loose or pourable material, or combined with a binder and fibers or undergo a chemical reaction to make a
rigid insulation.
Insulations are produced in a variety of forms suitable for specific functions and applications. The combined form and
type of insulation determine its proper method of installation. The forms most widely used are:
1. Rigid boards, blocks, sheets, and pre-formed shapes.
2. Flexible sheets and pre-formed shapes.
3. Flexible blankets.
4. Cements (insulating and finishing).
5. Foams.
6. Spray
7. Loose fill
8. Reflective and Radiant barrier insulation
9. Pipe and fittings.

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 International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD)
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III. TYPES OF ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS

Mainly agriculture and industrial waste products are the green materials which have been studied by numerous authors
are listed below:
Agricultural waste:
Reeds
Bagasse
Corn cob and corn fiber
Coconut fiber and pith
Cotton stalks
Sunflower stalks
Cork and wood
Banana
Cattail
Date palm
Durian
Oil palm fibers
Pineapple leaves
Rice husk, wheat husk and jute husk
Sanseviera fiber
Straw bale
Kenaf

IV. REQUIREMENT OF THERMAL INSULATING MATERIAL

From [19] ,there are numerous sorts of insulating material however for the particular reason a few prerequisites ought to
be satisfied. Insulating material need to keep their shape, tough and safe against mold and turbides. The dampness
equalization of the build must be sure i.e. the water collecting inside the development amid the defrosting period must
be evacuated to the outside amid the dissipation period. The position of twist tight layer at the external surface and
water/air proof on the internal surface keep the protection material from being perfused with sticky and warm room air
from within or chilly surrounding air from outside. Contingent upon the field of utilization, the protection material need
to suffice the wellbeing necessity for the flame assurance.

VI. LITERATURE SURVEY

Studies done by authors in the field of eco-friendly thermal insulation materials and their properties are, for the energy
consumption purpose in Thailand, S.Panyakaew, and S.Foties in [28] investigated a new thermal insulation from bagasse
and coconut husk. Approximately 20-25% of annual energy is consumed in residential sector while 65% mechanical
space cooling consumes. So for that purpose thermal insulation was prepared to reduce the use of air conditioning for
residential use. In this work by S.Panyakaew, S.Foties it was observed that the thermal conductivity was similar to the
mineral wool and cellulose fiber. Generally chemical binders such as formaldehyde and phenolic resins are used but here
bagasse is used as a binding material while coconut husk contains 30% fiber and 70% pith. The moisture content of a
fiber board according to JISA 5905-2003, Japanese standard for fiber board should be nearer to 5-13%. Here the coconut
husk when dried at 80C moisture content was 11-13%. While when bagasse was dried for 5 days in sun rays contained
10% moisture content and again it was dried at 80C for moisture content 6-7%. Here the fiber to the pith ratio was kept
80:20 by weight and fiber length was 8-10mm.For bagasse length was 20-40mm for large particle board while 8-9mm for
small particle board and its ratio 50:50 by weight. The preparation of the board was done by hot pressing at 14.7MPa for
coconut husk at 180C, 200C, 220C, while bagasse at 160C, 180C, 200C for 7,10,13 minutes respectively for both.it
was 25mm thick, board density 250,350&450 kg/m3 and 81 boards(binder less) where made. For thermal conductivity (k)
testing they have used ISO 8301 and it was found out that coconut husk has k=0.046-0.068 W/mK with board density of
250 kg/m3 while bagasse has k=0.049-0.055 W/mK with board density of 350 kg/m 3. It was compared with the other
materials such as
1) Kenaf board of 150-200 kg/m3 with k=0.051-0.058 W/mK
2) Cotton stalk insulation board of 150450 kg/m3 and k=0.0580.081 W/mK
3) Cellulose fibers 3080 kg/m3 and k=0.0400.045W/mK
4) Mineral wool (fiberglass and Rockwool) 20200 kg/m3 and k=0.0350.045W/mK
5) Polyethylene foam (PE) 50100 kg/m3 and k= 0.0350.045W/mK
6) Extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) 2545 kg/m3 and k= 0.0300.040W/mK
7) Expanded perlite boards (EPB) 90490 kg/m3 and k= 0.0450.070W/mK
8) Vermiculite 70160 kg/m3 and k= 0.0460.070W/mK.

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 International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD)
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After comparing with above given materials it was concluded that the bagasse board of 350 kg/m3 at 200C for 13mm
shows good mechanical strength and its k value is nearer to cellulose fiber and mineral wool. And bagasse shows good
property value then coconut husk at 350 kg/m3 satisfy to as building thermal insulation.

In [29] Increase in environmental pollution due to industrial waste and huge energy consumption P.Lerksuthiwong
developed particle board from waste of tissue paper manufacturing industry and corn peel. Here tissue paper
manufacturing waste to corn peel ratio properties were investigated and recycled polystyrene packaging foam as a
laminating agent possibility was checked. The material was prepared by drying solid waste from TPM at room
temperature using air blower to get the average size of 1mm.Then corn peel was dried in sunlight and its (2cm x 2cm)
pieces were cut. Using distilled water and recycled polystyrene packaging foam as laminating agent is liquefied in
benzene and profitable urea formaldehyde containing 66% solid waste was prepared. Its mass ratio was
75:25,50:50,25:75 (TPM: Corn Peel) and 25mm x 147mm x 3.5mm or 40mm x 40mm x 3.5mm size bored was made.
Here the board was made by the hydraulic cold pressed at 125 kg/cm 3 for 1 min and with 75% relative humidity and dried
for 3 days at 70C. While polystyrene was concentrated by 7.5% or 15% by pressing at 0.022 kg/cm3 for 3 days and 24
hours it was dried.

Swelling and water absorption were measured according to ISO 769 and at 40C thermal conductivity was measured
according to JIS A 2618 at QTM-500 and bending strength was obtained using UTH, mode 5583. Before measuring the
material was conditioned at room temperature for 1 week. Moisture content was 5.5%.It was observed that the as the
amount of corn peel increases board density decreases of particle board and water absorption increases but swelling
thickness decreases. OR and MOE increases with increase in TPM and decreases with decrease in Corn Peel. Here 24%
to 39% more water content is present in 75 parts of corn peel than 25 parts at 20C for 2 hour and 24 hour. Results of
thermal conductivity of TPM: Corn Peel - 100:0 of 980 kg/m3 has k=0.2507 W/mK, while 75:25 board with 969 kg/m3
and k=0.1936 W/mK, MOE and MOR are 8.2MPa and 287 MPa at the content of 7.5% polystyrene concentration and
13MPa and 434Mpa at 15% polystyrene concentration where 50:50 board with 789 kg/m3 density having k=0.147W/mK,
having MOR and MOE at 7.5% polystyrene concentration 5.6 and 87.2MPa and 6.2 & 85.1 MPa at 15% polystyrene
concentration and 25:75 board with density 726 kg/m 3 having k=0.1398W/mK having MOR and MOE at 7.5% are 4.1
and 57.3MPa & at 15% 5 an 53MPa.By this results it was concluded that by adding polystyrene to particle board its
mechanical properties can be improved and it can be used in construction materials and determination to pollution from
industries. In [27] J.Khedari et. al. manufactured new insulating material particle board from durian peel and coconut
coir which contributes towards a lower energy consumption of building by introducing a new insulating board made of
coconut coir and durian peel, which was used for building application in Thailand as they have a large variety of
agriculture waste. Here the performance and manufacturing of the insulated particle board is done. Durian peel of
0.3g/cm3,0.6g/cm3,0.9g/cm3 and coconut coir of 0.3 g/cm3,0.5 g/cm3 And 0.6 g/cm3 were selected and as a binding
material urea formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde and isocyanate with 12%, 6% and 3% respectively were chosen. Hot
pressing method was used for the preparation of specimen and they were amassed for 24h to be cured and then cropped
and cut. For reaching equilibrium condition they placed 2 hours in room temperature. Hot pressing was done for
9minutes at 25,15and 10kgf/cm2. 54 specimen boards (three adhesive types three board densities two raw materials
three replicates).

Experimental instrument were as per the JIS A 5908-1994.Following test were concluded internal bonding, swelling test,
MOE, MOR, thermal conductivity and moisture content. The Result shows that Durian board using binding material urea
formaldehyde of 0.9 g/cm3 has thermal conductivity of 0.1513W/mK , MOR 251.772kgf/cm2,MOE 37761 kgf/cm2
Internal bonding 18.936 kgf/cm2 , moisture content 8.92,water absorption 49.853%and swelling thickness of 30.648%
While, that of coconut coir bended with phenol formaldehyde having 0.5g/cm 3 having thermal conductivity of
0.1036W/mK, MOR of 160.615 kgf/cm2,MOE 13317 kgf/cm2,internal bonding 3.72 kgf/cm2,water absorption of
133.85%, moisture content 7.46% swelling thickness is 26.48%. The above result are one from the 54 specimen shows a
good mechanical and viable property with low thermal conductivity and on concluding it, as they are made from
agriculture waste they have low mechanical properties but by adding additives such as isocyanate, phenol formaldehyde
or urea phormaldehyde they obtain a good mechanical properties with thermal conductivity ranging from 0.054W/mK to
0.1854W/mK and can be used as wall & celling insulation. While they show similar properties over rubber wood
medium density board.

In [30] A. paiva et. al developed A contribution to thermal insulation performance characterization of corn cob particle
board, for green building and reducing CO2 emission The experiment was carried out in a room having size of 4m x 3m x
2.54m (length x width x height). The application looking as shown in fig. 1 with two view 1 and 2.

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 International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD)
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Fig: 1 Two views of room for insulation. [30]

For measuring thermal conductivity an-d hygrometric condition following instrument are used 1) Heat flux, 2) Data
logger, 3) thermo hygrometric device.
A corn cob particle insulation board of 24cm x 25cm was prepared with the thickness of 3, 5, 6 and 8cm with board
density of 334 kg/m3 and compared with the insulating board of XPS and EPS. The thermal coefficient (U) of corn cob
particle panels was measured and it was resulting as follows 3cm thickness having U value 2.14 W/m2C, 5cm thickness
have U=1.89 W/m2C for 6 cm U=1.64 W/m2C and that of 8 cm board is 0.95 W/m2C while the thermal conductivity of
the board was measured 0.101 W/mK and that of XPS and EPS board are having K= 0.037 W/mK and 0.045 W/mK
respectively. Here the thermal conductivity value of insulating board made up of conventional resources have lower
value than that of eco-friendly material from agriculture waste. Although it can be used as an insulating material because
it K value is less than 1 W/mK.

In [31] J.zach et. al Performed and research on alternative thermal insulation based on sheep wool. The concept of zero
energy building is progressing drastically now a days. There are many renewable materials are available in market
which give similar result that of conservative materials. Green energy building concept are wide spread in the Europe and
the certification related to green building are BREEAM, LEED, DGNB, and Green Mark. This not only include the
thermal insulation but also reduction in CO2 emission and properties of building material mainly ecological. On the
account to cover it sheep wool as a thermal insulator has been examined in Brno University of Technology and Vienna
University of Technology as combined project. The university used sheep wool for building application having some
advantages of sheep wool as follows: 1) No hazard to human, 2) Fresh and relaxed to renew natural material cause, 3)
Eco-friendly, 4) Hygroscope value around 35%. Global warming potential Kg of CO2 equivalent of some of the material
has been found out in this paper and their value are as foam glass (130 kg/m3) is 3.7, mineral wool -1.2, glass fiber-2.1,
EPS(30kg/m3)-2.3, cellulose flocks (35-70 kg/m3)- 0.2, coconut fiber (50 kg/m3)- 0 and that of sheep wool 0. Here
sheep wool was splashed with soap and water and detached sheep fat to 1% without any binder 80mm thick particle
board was prepared for make stronger, cloth was armored to obtain desired thickness.5 sample were prepared and tested.
The testing of some needed properties is done such as thickness with respect to EN 822, EN 823, EN 12085, bulk density
EN 1602, sound absorption coefficient EN ISO 10534-1, Dynamic stiffness by resonance method EN 29052 of (200mm
x 200mm) while thermal conductivity by standard method with response to ISO 8301 of 300mm x 300mm at 10,20,30&
40C. The result found that as the frequency increases the sound absorption coefficient increases & as thickness increases
sound velocity increases while frequency decreases so sound absorption coefficient decreases. For dynamic stiffness at
80mm thick board it was 3.2 MPa/m and it was found that as the thickness of board increases dynamic stiffness
decreases. For moisture content to thermal conductivity value were at 0% MC k-0.036 W/mK, 20%MC k-0.041, 30%
MC k-0.047 W/mK and at 70% MC k-0.081.While the thermal conductivity value for 80mm and the bulk density value
is 20 kg/m3 particle board are for 10C 0.04W/mK, at 20C k-0.044W/mK, at 30C k-0.048W/mK and at 40Ck-
0.05W/mK. Concluding it sheep wool shows similar properties to mineral wool/rock wool and can be used as building
material or insulating material because J.zach et al in this paper has researched and tested this material in all climatic and
normal condition. J. vejeilene et. al Developed a thermal insulation from local agriculture waste [32], Lithuania has a
huge amount of agriculture waste on using it a particle board for thermal insulation is prepared. Insulation from of straw
of triticale was invented in this paper. At a continual pressure the straw bale were packed in a wooden frame in
perpendicular and parallel form to use in building cover. In two type as straw bale and straw roll they were specified.
Thermal conductivity test were conducted according to EN 12939:2001 and the particle board is sized as 500mm x
500mm. the result shows that straw bale of 100kg/m3 has k value is 0.09W/mK while straw rolls of 90 kg/m3 has k=
0.08W/mK, loose straw perpendicular to the heat flow of 50,70, 90, 110 kg/m3 has k = 0.041 to 0.063W/mK and the
chopped straw of 57,65,76,82 kg/m3 has k=0.043 to 0.05W/mK. Experimentally it was found that the result value of
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thermal conductivity on practical purpose differs or increases 1.5 times the rated thermal conductivity. On concluding
Thermal conductivity of straw usually rest on the bearings of straw stalks in the specimen. Least thermal conductivity has
straw stalks concerned with perpendicular to heat flow, and largest - oriented parallel to the heat flow straw stalks.
Compression of straw in specimen decreases heat transfer due convection. Specific thermal conductivity is gotten in
chopped straw with horizontally muddled concerned with fibers. Thermal conductivity of such specimen remains almost
unaffected throughout the measured range density of particle board.

Aggregate of density in such specimen increases heat transfer due thermal conduction, but reduces the convection heat
transfer. Thermal conductivity of fiber perpendicularly concerned with to the heat flow straw stalks is the lowest of the
all straw particle board tested at small particle board densities. In [33] A.Korjenic et. al developed and evaluated natural
thermal insulation materials composed of renewable resources. As the green building is in the great demand now a days,
not only as a lower the U value but also in terms of passive buildings the renewable materials for building construction
are demanded. Vienna University of Technology and Brno University of Technology has researched on an eco-friendly
thermal insulation using jute, flex and hemp. The concrete made up hemp can lower the indoor relative humidity and
lower the 45% energy consumption than cellular concrete. Permeability of renewable materials are higher and adsorbs air
increasing the moisture content. Here the paper shows the comparison of the results with mineral wool, EPS & others. 6
particle boards were prepared where 1 to 4 particle board has thickness of 77.4mm to 81.2mm while 5 & 6 have thickness
of 30.3mm to 40.2mm. The composition of 6 particle boards are as follows: 1) Jute 68%, binder 20%, shives 12, 2) Flex
68%, binder 20%, shives 12%, 3) Hemp 48%, binder 20%, shives 32%, 4) Hemp 64%, binder 20%, shives 16%, 5) Hemp
48%, binder 20%, shives 32%, 6) Hemp 64%, binder 20%, shives 16%. The testing of bulk density at 105C by
gravimetric method was done as per EN 1602, compression test was carried out as per EN 826, tensile strength as per EN
1607, thermal conductivity as per ISO 8301 were the particle board was dried at 65C from 105C and water
permeability as per EN 12086. While the particle board sized to 300mm x 300mm, 200mm x 200mm and 100mm
diameter. The result obtained by testing each sample is displayed below in Table: 2

Sample Thickness, Density, Thermal Facture of Tension at 10% Tensile

mm Kgm-3 conductivity, diffuse deformation, strength,
W/mK resistance KPa KPa
1 81.2 26.1 0.045 2.1 1.0 6.25
2 77.4 32.2 0.042 2.9 0.4 7.75
3 77.9 30.2 0.048 2.8 0.6 15.56
4 79.6 29.6 0.047 2.2 0.8 16.23
5 30.3 33.1 0.041 3.8 0.5 23.47
6 40.2 82.1 0.039 4 11.2 15.00
Table: 1 Physical and mechanical properties of tested samples.

Seeing the result it was cleared that sample six can be used as insulator, other samples can also be used but sample six
shows good mechanical and physical properties. Result also shows that the moisture compassion of hemp, flex, and jute
are lesser than wood, wool etc., here humidity increases as moisture content increases and moisture content of sample six
is 1.402 kg/kg.
X. Y. Zhou et. al in [34] developed an environmental friendly thermal insulation from cotton stalks fibers. For saving
energy in building through ceiling and walls an environmental friendly thermal insulation was prepared from binder less
cotton stalks fibers by hot pressing method. In this paper board density, moisture content and pressing time consequence
on thermal conductivity is tested. For the preparation of the particle board stalks were gathered where its scums and husk
are refined and the chips of 25 x 10 x 5mm are prepared. This chips are saturated in water at 1.2bar steam pressure. And
dried at 100C adjusting moisture content to 7, 10 & 13%. The particle board of 25mm thick with board density of 250,
350 & 450kgm-3 and compressed it high frequency press machine (CGM-30). To gain 8% MC it is stored at 25C for a
weekend with 65% humidity. Resulting the thermal conductivity of 0.0585-0.0815W/mK at 150-450kgm-3, board density
increases thermal conductivity value decreases at 350kgm-3 internal bonding strength was found to be good, while here as
MC increases MOR increases and similarly MOE increases. The result also shows that the value of thermal conductivity
is similar to expanded perlite and vermiculite with similar board density. In [35] H.Binci ei.al investigated an
environmentally thermal insulation material from sunflower stalks, textile waste and stubble fiber. Turkey has a huge
production rate of sunflower every year and its waste disposal is the huge problem. To resolve it and as an application for
construction material and to solve the problem for higher heating and cooling cost of turkey a new insulating material is
being investigated from sunflower stalks and it was tested. Its sound testing, compression test and thermal conductivity
test have been done as it was used as construction material. Here as a binding / adhesive agent plaster and epoxy have
been used differently. Sunflower stalks 180g, textile waste 90g water 1450g and gypsum 1500g is used and as adhesive
resin urea formaldehyde in some proportion have been used. Insulation board with plaster as a binder is sized as 30 x 40
x 2.5cm. While epoxy as a binder is made up of 20 x 20cm with MC 0.15%. Thermal conductivity was measured as per
ASTM C1113-90 in QTM-500, compressive test. Was done compression testing machine and bending strength was

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tested in two point bending test device while, sound test was done as per ASTM C597. Mainly 44 sample were prepared
with different composition out of which the desired obtained values samples with composition are as follows:

1) Sunflower stem 30%, sunflower stalks 15%, stubble 15%, epoxy 30% pressure 8 bar has k value 0.1008W/mK.
2) Sunflower stalks fiber 13%, cotton waste 15%, epoxy 30%, with 8bar pressure has k value 0.0893W/mK
3) Sunflower stem 20%, cotton waste 20%, 15% stubble, 15% epoxy with 4 bar pressure has k-0.087W/mK.
4) Sunflower stem 20%, cotton stalks 10% , epoxy 15% with 6 bar pressure has k-0.0849W/mK
5) Sunflower stem 30%, sunflower stalk fiber 20% epoxy 15% with 7 bar pressure has k-0.0728W/mK.

Here the sample 3, 4& 5 have good sound and mechanical properties. On concluding this paper the houses, in which the
panels ended with gypsum, were practical, the heating retro was smaller and the cooling retro was lengthier likened to
those of the houses in which those panels were not used. Sunflower stem and gypsum blocks made with binder directed
to improved thermal insulation in households. Rendering to the reference, the house heating temperatures of these houses
was advanced than during the similar period of cold, which is reflected to be significant in terms of heating costs. The
optimal compression value was 7 bars.

[36] K.wei. et al Developed and performed evaluation of a new thermal insulation material from rice straw using high
frequency hot pressing. Here the testing is done in response to high frequency hot pressing effect on board density,
thermal conductivity, internal bonding etc. In this paper it was found that Goodhew and Griffiths measured the same
material thermal conductivity which was 0.067W/mK, Even et. al investigated fiber board made up of sunflower mixed
with protein and lignocellulose fiber present as binder by thermo pressing method with thermal conductivity results as
0.088W/mK, similarly mati-bauche et. al studied about chitosan and sunflower stalks with k-0.056W/mK where chitosan
presence is 4.3% and Coconut husk and bagasse without chemical adhesive discovered by banyakew and fotois resulting
k00.046 to 0.068W/mK whose value are nearer to cellulose and mineral fiber. Here methyl diphenyl diisocynate (MDI)
resin was used as 8% by weight. Teflon sheets were placed at top and bottom and electromagnetic heating was processed
to modify properties. At 140C hot pressing was carried out and 300 x 300 x 40mm board was prepared, while rice straw
was chopped to length of 10-30mm and moisture content was adjusted to 10, 14 & 18%. 5 different particle board where
prepared. Where thermal conductivity test was done steady state slab method, tensile strength as per EN 1607, Modulus
of rupture EN 12089 and water absorption test by EN 1609. Tested result showed that the particle board with Moisture
content 14% with board density 250kgm-3 has good MOR value of 0.56MPa, internal bonding 0.0139MPa, TS% 18.39
and thermal conductivity value is 0.0508W/mK. And it was also observed that as density increases MOR increases but
thermal conductivity decreases while as moisture content increases internal bonding decreases MOR decreases thermal
conductivity value raises while TS% increases. The high frequency hot pressing for eco-friendly material shows good
value than conventional material thus this method is preferable for renewable board preparation. In [37] A.D.La Rosa et.
al developed an Environmental friendly and thermal insulation an innovative thermal insulation. To decrease the
ingesting of energy insulating materials are used in building concrete. In this paper an innovative thermal insulation has
been developed a sandwiched for wall application. In this paper it was found out that fernandis et. al investigated fire
resistance and the acoustic insulation of cork/high bulk polyethene & cork/propylene and originate that cork increases
both properties. Here the eco sandwich material comprising cork, flax fibers and bio based epoxy resin. Here four
specimen were made: 1) Cork panel, 2) PVC foam board, 3) cork eco sandwich-syfar cork, flax fibers and epoxy resin
were used for skin also bioverd were prepared from cork panel. Resulting thermal conductivity the value found that cork
syfar at 10C 0.045W/mK and at 50C 0.047W/mK, PVC foam have 0.035 & 0.038W/mK at 10C & 50C respectively,
Bioverd have 0.051 & 0.061W/mK at 10C & 50C respectively and eco sand-which material have 0.074 and
0.087W/mK value at 10C & 50C respectively. Four system were applied here i.e. 1)Bioverd, sandwich panel, air
resistance, perforated brick, 2) Cement, bioverd, perforated brick, air perforated brick, 3) eco sandwich, air, cork, eco
sandwich and 4) Cement, brick, air, PVC foam. Out which it was concluded that system 3 with 38.8kgm-3 is good
performance than other. In [38] L.C. da Rosa et al. Used rice husk and sunflower stalk as a substitute for glass wool in
thermal insulation of solar collector and for binding gypsum were used including jute fabric. Here a 30 x 30 x 5cm sized
6 particle board were prepared and their thermal conductivity with weight reduction were tested. The particle board with
different composition with their thermal conductivity are as follows:

1) Rice husk 52%, jute fabric 8%, gypsum 25%, water 15% with k=0.994W/mK and thickness of 50.6mm.
2) Rice husk 4%, sunflower stalk 40%, jute fabric 8%, gypsum 30%, water 18% having 54.2mm thickness and k-
0.104W/mK
3) Jute fabric 8%, gypsum 20%, water 12%, chopped sunflower stalk 60% 52.4mm thick with 0.064W/mK thermal
conductivity
4) Jute fabric 10%, gypsum 22%, water 13%, peeled sunflower stalk 55% having thickness of 43mm and k-
0.049W/mK
5) Sunflower stalk with husk 45%, jute fabric 30%,water 18% having thickness of 51.5mm with k-0.102W/mK
6) Rice husk 30%, jute fabric 8%, gypsum 20%, water 12%, chopped sunflower stalk 30% having k-0.072W/mK
and thickness of 52mm.

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Thermal conductivity was measured between 60C and 150C here in weight the reduction was found of 7-10% in rice
husk (15g) and 6-13% in sunflower stalk (15g).
When the particle board were prepared they were heated in oven at 150C for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 120minutes. The
reduction in weight is proportional to the heating time of particle board. The board which is developed here suitable and
have well other mechanical properties too to sustain as solar collector insulator. The stability research is going on. H.Y.
Andoh et al in [39] studied Thermal performance of a solar collector using natural vegetable fiber, coconut, coir as heat
insulation. In the regions of Africa solar water heater consumer were less due higher cost of the product on that case
research have been carried out to use natural vegetable fiber, coconut coir as thermal insulation which reduces the cost of
solar water heater by 25%.

Fig. 2 longitudinal section of solar water heater.[39]

Experimentally it is observed that using coconut coir as insulation of 50mm thickness has thermal conductivity of
0.074W/mK and fluid flow rate 0.085kg/s
And that of glass wool is 0.04W/mK with same flow rate. It was analyzed and resolved that water temperature rise
through absorber, efficiency of collector and the pair values that describe the collector like FR() and FRUL have similar
values when glass wool have been used. Thus the design was selected as reported that it would more suitable were
coconut production is higher. agoudjil et al in [40] researched for Renewable material to reduce building heat loss using
date palm wood. A three variety of date palm were selected and their thermo physical, chemical and dielectric properties
were investigated. The three variety are Deglet Noor (DN), Mech Deglet (MG), and Elghers (EG). 44 x 44mm sized
particle board were prepared in which bunches and petioles were studied out of which DN is studied by placing it in
parallel & perpendicular trend. Periodic technique is to measure the thermal diffusivity. Measurement of thermal
conductivity, diffusivity were done in both condition atmospheric pressure (AP) and in vacuum chamber (VC). The result
are shown in table below:

Sample Fiber direction Testing Board Density Thermal Thermal

condition kgm-3 conductivity diffusivity( x
W/mK 10-7 m2s-1)
PDN// Parallel VC 254 0.046 1.65
PDN Perpendicular VC 276 0.042 2.16
PDN// Parallel AP 254 0.083 3.31
PDN Perpendicular AP 276 0.082 2.29
Table: 2 thermal and dielectric properties of PDN materials

The result obtained have values nearer to wood fiber insulation board also sisal (0.07 W/mK), cork (0.039 W/mK), hemp
(0.115 W/mK) and banana (0.117 W/mK).

While here PMD, PEG, BEG, BDN and BMD have thermal conductivity 0.074, 0.072, 0.073, 0.085 and 0.084W/mK
respectively. So this material was found to be good thermal insulation for building purposes. In [41] K.W. corscadden et
al. studied about using sheep wool sustainability as a renewable resource. Seeing towards sustainability of conventional
insulation a research have been carried out of using or making thermal insulation from sheep wool. Here for
manufacturing 5 processes were carried out 1) tumbling, 2) scouring, 3) picking and 4) carding and felting. Two types of
batt were created carded and felted. The wool was washed in the 3% disodium octabarate tetrahydrate to remove dust and
separate fibres. Particle board of 0.0096m x 1.219m x 0.0889m of 0.4kg/unit were prepared. Here the R-value that is

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thermal resistance value of particle board have been measured 3.5 for 25.4mm board and concluded that it can be used as
sustainable thermal insulation for green building and other purposes too.

A new environmentally friendly cactus-based thermal insulation was made by the University of Palermo. Sicilian
analysts, drove by Prof. Antonio De Vecchi of the University of Palermo, have made an inventive eco-drying so as to
accommodate building item and pulverizing the leaves of thorny pear. As indicated by the exploration group, the
imaginative prickly plant based warm protection, which has a warm conductivity of 0.071-0.057 W/mK, may speak to a
legitimate different option for more traditional materials used to improve the vitality execution in building.[42]
In [43] F. Balo et. al. used fly ash, clay, rice husk ash and expodised tall oil(ETO) for development of thermal insulation
whose life was 10 years. For the light weight building materials with low thermal conductivity a research was carried out
by f. balo in waste renewable resources to save raw materials. Triglycerides are the main component of plant oil use in
industrial application such as nylon, glue and iron also in diesel fuel. While rice husk is produced by burning rice husk at
700C where amorphous silica occur in it and by grinding fine rice husk ash is produced. Balo and coworkers also
studied and produced various epoxidized vegetable oil ratio and obtained k- 0.273W/mK with compression and tensile
strength 13.53 and 1.287 MPa respectively. while soyabean/ flyash+clay showed k-0.255w/mk with compression and
tensile strength 6.31 & 0.87 MPa respectively. good was obtained by epoxide oil/flyash+clay k-0.258 w/mk with
compression and tensile strength as 4.37MPa & 0.73MPa respectively. F. Balo in this paper mixed rice husk ash,
epoxidized tall oil as binder, fly ash and clay and a 150 * 150 * 20mm block was prepared with different heating
temperature of 165,185 and 205C and thee result shows a 40% decrease in k value compared with cement block with
perlite by 0.537 w/mk to 0.256 w/mk. Lowest thermal conductivity obtained 0.256w/mk by mixing 30% clay, 60% fly
ash and 10% rice husk ash with 50% tall oil.

In [44]R.walkar and S.pavaia studied about different insulation such as paint, aerogel, cork lime, hemp lime, calcium
silicate board, timber fiber board and PIR board. This insulation were applied on wall of historic building at In-situ
testing of thermal performance was undertaken at the Adjutant General's Building in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham,
Dublin. It was found out that thermal transmittance value was reduced by 34-61%, but the internal condensation problem
was occurred. Aerogel and PIR board have shown good performance. Aerogel reduced U-value by 61% PIR board
reduced it by 51% while cork, hemp, calcium silicate reduced it by 54.5, 45, 36.9, 34.1 % respectively.
K- value of lime plaster, plaster aerogel, Lime & hemp, Lime & cork, Calcium Silicate board, timber fiber board, timber
board, PIR with Foil is about 0.8,0,0.016,0.065,0.09,0.089,0.05,0.034 w/mk respectively.
(Biodegradable fibrous thermal insulation) Krishpersad Manohar et al in this paper used coconut fiber and sugarcane
fiber for loose fill insulation. Here coconut fiber with different density from 40 to 90 kg/m 3 and conductivity test at 15.6
and 21.8C was carried out while sugarcane with different density from 70 to 120 kg/m3 and conductivity test at 18, 24
and 32C was carried out. Best result found in coconut fiber was k- 0.045 w/mk at 21.8C, 70 kg/m3 and in sugarcane
fiber at 100 kg/m3, 24C, k-0.046w/mk.

In [2] H. Binici et al. in this paper have researched about corn stalks with 0.5mm particle size and mixing it with epoxy
or gypsum or cement with different composition. Corn stalk with epoxy were mixed for 5 min and compacted for 1 min
at 20C between 0.07 and 0.27MPa and dried at 50C for 50h similarly they were mixed with cement and gypsum and 20
particle board were prepared and conductivity, water absorption test were conducted also sound test was carried out the
best result found in shown in table below

Sr. No. Epoxy (%) Corn Stalks Pressure Water Thermal Sound
(%) (kgf/cm2) absorption conductivity values(km/s)
(%) (w/mK)
1 30 60 0.12 26.88 0.0979 0.15
2 30 60 0.07 28.12 0.075 0.12
3 45 60 0.27 25.12 0.0979 0.18
Table: 3 Result of experiment performed in [2]

In [3] J. Zang et. al investigated a natural material silkworm for thermal insulation. Silkworm fiber are unresolved Eco
materials that have been cast-off for textiles. Silk built materials have newly found uses in a rising number of parts
containing biodegradable medical scaffolds, implantable useful strategies and tissue yields. From the silk gum cocoon is
evolved. For thermal insulation other properties studies four type of cocoon are used B. mori, S. Cynthia, A. pernyi and
A. mylitta. This materials are purchased from the North India and North China. For the experiment niddle type
temperature probe has been placed inside and outside of cocoon. Performing experiment of thermal conductivity test of
silkworm cocoon the result found as k- 0.0106 to 0.0653 W/mk while that of crystal oxalate was 0.2 w/mk which is used
for comparison and concluded that in both condition steady and unsteady cocoon shows stifling distinctive.

In[45] A.M. Papdopoulos stated use of thermal insulating material for future improvement in which it was revolved the
thermal conductivity of following materials and other properties in table:
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Sr. Material Density (Kgm- Thermal Conductivity Temperature

No. 3) (W/mk) Range (C)
1 Glass Wool 13-100 0.03-0.045 -100 to 500
2 Stone Wool 30-180 0.033-0.045 -100 to 750
3 Extruded 20-80 0.025-0.035 -60 to 75
Polystyrene
4 Expanded 18-50 0.029-0.041 -80 to 80
Polystyrene
5 Polyurethane 30-80 0.020-0.027 -50 to 120
Form
Table 4: Properties of various conventional materials

In[46] M.R.F Goncalves et. al. had a research on rice husk ash (RHA) where it is notified that about more than 70
countries mainly China, India, Indonesia and Bangladesh are producing a lot amount of rice. Whose disposal is requires
higher amount of area and it get burnt easily, by this problem use of rice husk ash are taken into consideration for study.
Three types of Ashes were made i.e. Extrusion (Ex), pressing (Pr) and diatomaceous silica (DS). Many different
combination were made using additives such as Wood sawdust, flux, water, plasticizer additives and binders. And a
specimen of 10mm * 20mm * 60mm was prepared and sintered at 1350C and 1250C. The value for thermal
conductivity found as for RHA (Ex) and RHA (Pr) from temperature range 300 to 800C is 0.19W/mK to 0.25 W/mK
and 0.14W/mK to 0.26W/mK respectively. It was also noted that due high porosity of RHA apparent density and
compressive strength are low. Extruded rice husk ash as higher mechanical strength.
N. Padhko et. al. in[47] developed a new thermal insulation from rice straw and maize husk in which he studied Physical
properties test outcomes demonstrated that the dampness content, thickness, water ingestion and swelling when drenched
in water for 1 hour and 24 dropped, yet relying upon the sort of strands being used. The cement at 13% by dry weight,
water ingestion properties for 1 hour and 24 hours at 600 kg/m3 corn fiber structure has assimilated less water than other
fiber materials for1 hour, the swelling of rice straw filaments can swell slightest 600 kg/m3 and 400 kg/m3 24 strands
from rice straw. Test outcomes demonstrated that the mechanical properties showed that imperviousness to breaking
modulus and versatility modulus. Quality opposite to the surface or inside of the stay is higher. The measure of glue is at
13% by dry weight. The corn husk fiber properties are at 600 kg/m3. The outcomes demonstrated that the warm
properties of glue board 13% have a high warm conductivity material blended with rice bodies, corn fiber 400 kg/m3,
which demonstrates that in test research. Fiber materials and fixings are parts that have a higher warming worth. From
this examination, we can reason that the investigation of the potential outcomes. In the farming waste blended in diverse
proportions as per the components and extents and can create light, warm protection divider boards utilized for structures.
Light divider can be utilized for the building like into a divider or roof and so forth.

VII. SUMMARY OF THE AGRO-BASED MATERIAL AND CONVENTIONAL SHOWING THERMAL

CONDUCTIVITY AND DENSITY.

The comparative study of all the materials thermal conductivity and density can be studied for other integration purpose
and developing new thermal insulation. Here the value which are bolded with poor values while those which are bolded
with black are good for using and with pink are average.
Thermal
Sr.No. Material Density(kgm-3) References
conductivity (W/mK)
1 Bagasse 70-350 0.046-0.055
2 Corn cob 171-334 0.101
3 Cotton stalks 150-450 0.0585-0.0815
4 Durian 357-907 0.064-0.185
5 Date palm 187-389 0.072-0.085
6 Sheep wool NA 0.038-0.054
7 Banana 980-1050 0.157-0.182
8 Pineapple leaves 178-232 0.035-0.042
9 Reeds 130-190 0.045-0.056 [48]
10 Rice 154-168 0.0464-0.0566

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11 Pecan 600-680 0.0884-0.1080

12 Sansevieria fiber 1410 0.132
Sunflower (cake from
13 500-585 0.0885-0.1
bio refinery)
14 Sunflower (pitch) 36-152 0.0385-0.0501
15 Straw bale 50-150 0.038-0.067
18 Kenaf 30-180 0.034-0.043
Table: 5 Thermal Conductivity and Density of agro based material.[48]

Sr. No. Material Density (kgm-3) Thermal References

Conductivity (w/mk)
1 Fiber Glass 24-112 0.035-0.032 [49]
2 Rockwool 24-36 0.054-0.046
3 Polyurethane 16-35 0.035-0.037
4 Extruded Polystyrene 26-45 0.032-0.03
5 Vermiculate 64-130 0.068-0.063
6 Perlite 32-176 0.06-0.04
Table: 6 Thermal Conductivity and Density of conventional insulating materials

VIII. CONCLUSION

The present paper signifies the research carried on thermal insulation through agro-based materials and their properties.
As the material like mineral wool, EPS, XPS etc. are not biodegradable, the hurry towards agro-based/biodegradable/eco-
friendly materials are increased for sustainable development. Here, various materials such as bagasse, corn cob, kenaf
etc. have good thermal conductivity value against conventional materials. Various mixtures of agro-based materials
shows similar mechanical and thermal properties over conventional materials. Some of the properties such as durability,
fire-resistance, water vapor diffusion, fungal resistance are also to be examined for better execution. But, insulation from
agro-based materials should not offence with plantation. This materials should be the byproduct of agriculture sector.

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