Thermal insulation panels for buildings using recycled cardboard: Experimental characterization and optimum selection

Abstract

Buildings contribute a major part to the energy use in the world. Thermal insulation of buildings is a passive strategy to achieve energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling loads. Using recycled materials ensures efficient use of available resources by reducing material consumption. This study reports fabrication of thermal insulation panels using recycled cardboard aggregates and different biodegradable binders (corn starch, lime, clay) in varying percentage weight fractions and experimental characterization of their physical, thermal, mechanical and microstructural properties. Cardboard aggregates have been homogenized with binders and additives to fabricate nine panels. All the panels have reported good thermal conductivity values due to their porous nature, and sufficient compressive and flexural strength for use as thermal insulation in buildings. Strong adhesion between cardboard aggregates and cornstarch binder has been observed in SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) analysis. This study also addresses selection of the optimum insulation material from various fabricated panels by considering the complex constraints that exist between physical, thermal and mechanical properties. Results of the study prove that the fabricated panels can be used for thermal insulation in buildings and can be further investigated for commercial use.