Investigating the characteristics and thermal performance of plaster composites enhanced with paddy husk for sustainable Residential construction

Abstract

This study is a big step forward in the field of thermal insulation, establishing rice husk as a legitimate and environmentally acceptable alternative in composite materials. The study focuses on the incorporation of paddy husk, a natural fibre, into plaster matrices to improve thermal insulation. By conducting a wide range of experimental analyses, such as thermophysical tests and physicochemical evaluations, this study reveals the significant influence of paddy husk on plaster formulations. The research shows that incorporating paddy husk leads to significant enhancements in thermal insulation properties, resulting in a noticeable decrease in bulk density and a substantial reduction in thermal conductivity. With a bulk density of 1244.2 kg/m³ for pure plaster, the samples with 20.0 % rice husk show a decreased density of 1055.4 kg/m³, indicating promise for lightweight but strong construction elements. In addition, there is a significant decrease in thermal conductivity, with values dropping from 0.94 W/mK for pure plaster to 0.67 W/mK for samples containing 20.0 % paddy husk, demonstrating excellent insulating properties. The promising result prospects of employing paddy husk to enhance both thermal performance and sustainability in building materials. This investigation constitutes a notable stride forward in thermal insulation research, affirming paddy husk as a feasible and ecologically sound alternative in composite materials.