Evaluation of Colombian Crops Fibrous Byproducts for Potential Applications in Sustainable Building Acoustics.

Tomas Simon Gomez,Daniel De La Prida,Adriana Restrepo-Osorio,Santiago Zuluaga,María De Los Ángeles Navacerrada,Maritza Jimenez,María Del Mar Barbero-Barrera,Patricia Fernández-Morales

doi:10.3390/polym13010101

Tomas Simon Gomez, Daniel De La Prida + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010101

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Abstract

Local production of construction materials is a valuable tool for improving the building sector sustainability. In this sense, the use of lignocellulosic fibers from local species becomes an interesting alternative to the development of such materials. As it is thought that the properties of fiber-based materials are dependent on the fibers properties, the knowledge of such properties is fundamental to promote materials development. This study compares the physical, morphological, acoustic, and mechanical characteristics of coir (Cocos nucifera) and fique (Furcraea Agavaceae) fibers and panels. The chemical composition appears to be associated with the general behavior of the fibers and panels, regarding higher tensile strength, thermal degradation behavior, and water absorption. In most tests, fique had the upper hand, showing superior performance; however, on thermal degradation and water absorption, both materials had similar behavior. The sound absorption measurement showed that the fiber diameter affects the sound absorption at high frequencies, where fique panels showed better performance than coir panels.

Highlights

International trends that seek to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production [1], have favored research and development about new applications or techniques that facilitate the transition to sustainable economies
Lignin has been associated with biodegradation resistance, and it is considered an encrusting agent in the cellulose/hemicellulose matrix and often is referred to as the plant cell wall adhesive [33,35,36]
Thickness and bulk density of the samples were compared using a t-test, for which its p-value was 0.14 and 0.31, respectively, both properties being statistically equivalent with a confidence of 95%, validating the fabrication conditions

Summary

Introduction

International trends that seek to promote the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) related to sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production [1], have favored research and development about new applications or techniques that facilitate the transition to sustainable economies. For the building economic sector, the interest in new alternative materials with low environmental impact and energy efficiency has grown. Materials based on natural fibers are becoming increasingly popular, due to some common features such as their high availability and environmental sustainability benefits [2,3]. With a considerable amount of fibrous wastes, new strategies have been created to develop materials, using biodegradable or recycled elements such as discarded natural fibers [5]. Considerations about natural fiber environmental benefits include the reuse of waste and renewability and energy efficiency, contributing to a reduction of the environmental impact of traditional materials in a variety of engineering applications [6]

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