A New Textile Waste-Based Sample for Thermal Insulation in Building

Abstract

The development of lightweight, high-performance materials for thermal insulation in buildings has been a key focus of research in recent years. Textile waste can be considered as an everlasting fuel for fulfilling the need for these lightweight insulation materials. Accordingly, composites made from textile waste can be considered the most potential candidate to make competing products as they can have a wide spectrum of properties.

In this study, we investigate the thermal, mechanical, physical, and microstructural properties of samples made from polyester waste (PW) and Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) for use as thermal insulation in building applications. The samples were made by combining varied weight ratios of PW and CMC solution. The mixture is then molded into a 20*20 cm compression mold. Finally, the composite was dried to form a stiff, solid panel. The thermal conductivity of the samples was assessed using a hot plate device, and their mechanical properties were assessed through compressive and flexural tests. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the samples was in the spectrum of standard insulating materials such as fiberglass and foam. Furthermore, the panels demonstrated excellent mechanical properties, including a high degree of stiffness and strength, making them suitable for use in construction applications. Further analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the PW-CMC samples had a well-defined morphology, and that the CMC acted as an adhesion agent between the PES fibers, leading to a uniform and stable composite material with improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Overall, our findings suggest that the fabricated PW-CMC samples have great potential as a lightweight, high-performance thermal insulation material for use in building applications. The unique combination of low thermal conductivity and excellent mechanical properties make these panels an attractive alternative to conventional insulation materials, offering significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact.