Application of Recycle Paper Mill Waste (RPMW) as a Thermal Insulation Material

Abstract

In this work, we investigated the thermal conductivity (k-value) and mechanical behavior of a lightweight material containing recycle paper mill waste (RPMW) and cement. RPMW has been characterized using XRF, TG-DTA, and SEM. TG-DTA results confirm the thermal stability of the material prepared (stable up to 300 °C) and SEM monographs clearly indicate the pores and fibrous nature of this material. The influence of temperature and humidity on the thermal conductivity (k-value) of the material was studied, which indicated that k-value increases with temperature and humidity. The insulation property of the RPMW insulation material was tested by various means [flow of hot fluid through pipes (below 200 °C) and joints, temperature dissipation and retention in a glass flask, and as a brick]. Thermal images and histogram of insulation application were obtained and analyzed. Results confirmed that the RPMW insulation material is lightweight (0.6 ± 0.1 g/cc) and has low thermal conductivity (0.4 ± 0.2 W/mK). The thermal insulating effect of RPMW indicates a promising potential as a low-temperature hot insulator.