Water Absorption Values Research Articles

Proposal of an Encapsulation-led Disposal Method for Tannery Sludge – A Circularity Approach

In the context of achieving sustainable development goals, continuously pushing possible extended research and attempting to implement the respective outcomes in expanding a circular economy for a broad range of products are high priorities. In this paper, we considered disposable tannery sludge as a matter of concern and proposed an innovative framework for placing tannery sludge in the economic value chain via an encapsulation technique-based construction product development. We used polypropylene plastic and a cement-water matrix as encapsulation materials, and the encapsulated tannery sludge bodies were tested for their drop strength, water absorbing behaviour, ability to leach chromium and tendency to lose weight upon ignition. Value of water absorption for the prepared double layered encapsulated tannery sludge bodies was 1.332%, the drop strength performance index arrived was 90% and 0.0001 µg/g of Chromium leaching was found in Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and shown 67% weight loss in thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The results confirmed the possibility of ecocompatible disposal and recirculation of tannery sludge for the sustainable production of building blocks in the form of encapsulated bodies. The outcomes of our work add upon a new perspective to the existing literature regarding the environmentally positive utilization of tannery sludge in the production of building blocks.

The effects of different fiber fractions from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) pomace and fiber modification methods on cake quality.

Sour cherry pomace is the largest byproduct of sour cherry processing with more than 0.4 million tonnes per year. In this study, sour cherry pomace powder (SCPP) has been treated individually or by a combination of microwave (MW), enzymatic hydrolysis, and high pressure to increase soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content. Then, the untreated or treated forms of SCPP, their SDF, and insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) isolates were added (5%) to the reduced-fat cake. Rheological, physical, and textural properties of the full-fat (50%) and the reduced-fat (25% fat) cakes enriched with dietary fiber (DF) were compared. SDF enrichment minimized the negative effect of fat reduction in the cake. Water absorption, mixing tolerance, hardness, and springiness values of the SDF-enriched samples were found as the lowest. Extensibility, energy, weight loss, and cohesiveness values were found to be the highest values with the addition of SDF. All treatments helped to decrease mixing tolerance, dough development, and stability time. MW was the critical treatment for DF modification. Individual MW-treated DF samples increased resistance to extension of the dough samples as compared to the untreated SDF, IDF, and SCPP. Nevertheless, SDF showed better performance in acting as a fat replacer than IDF and SCPP. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The soluble dietary fiber (SDF) isolate minimized the negative effect of fat reduction in cakes. Water absorption and mixing tolerance of the dough were measured as the lowest. The hardness and springiness of soluble dietary fiber-enriched cakes were found to be the lowest. Extensibility and weight loss reached the highest value when SDF was used. Treatments helped decrease mixing tolerance, dough development, and stability time.

Effects of different oil additives on water resistance of corn starch straws

To investigate the effect of oil additives on improving the water resistance of corn starch straws, corn oil (CO), soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), peanut oil (PO), lard (LD) and coconut oil (CCO) were chosen and compared the structure and properties of starch straws with different oil additives. Corn starch straws (CS), and starch straws supplemented with CO, SO, RO, PO, LD and CCO were prepared by thermoplastic extrusion. The results showed that the incorporation of oils effectively enhanced the water resistance of starch straws such as water absorption, water solubility and water swelling performance. Meanwhile, the flexural strength of starch straws significantly increased. There was no significant linear relationship among starch chain length, oil unsaturation and straw performance. Among seven starch straws, S-SO had the strongest hydrogen bond interaction (3289 cm−1) and relaxation time (0.96 ms). The S-CO had the highest relative crystallinity (16.82 %) and degree of double helix (1.535), hence resulting in the lowest water absorption and solubility values, the highest flexural strength (23.43 MPa), the highest ΔT value (9.93 °C) and ΔH value (4.79 J/g). S-RO had the highest thermal transition temperatures.

AGGREGATE POTENTIAL OF KHAIRABAD LIMESTONE, KALABAGH-MIANWALI, PAKISTAN

Quality of aggregate material reflects the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of source rock. Limestone is main source of crushed rock aggregate, which is largely used by construction industry. There are few geological formations in Kohat-Potwar province which qualify the specific criteria for utilization as aggregate in building material. Khairabad Limestone exposed in Kalabagh area in Western Salt Range contains colossal quantity of minable aggregates. That’s why, we quantitatively examined this limestone of Paleocene age through several physical, chemical, mineralogical, engineering and mechanical tests to evaluate its aptness as aggregate material. AASHTO, ASTM, BS and NHA designated engineering tests including Los Angles Value (26.59%), Aggregate Impact Value (13.91%), Aggregate Crushing Value (12.84), soundness value (1.84%), coating and stripping of bitumen (96.4%), specific gravity (2.7), water absorption (0.83%), unit weight (1.65 g/cm3), total (elongation + flakiness) index (22.78%), and petrographic analysis (ASR & ACR) revealed that it is highly feasible aggregate resource with suitable properties. Investigated reserve is vast and thick enough to provide aggregate material to nearby local construction as well as national megaprojects. It would be a good contribution to the rising demand of construction materials in the country.

An experimental study on the sulfuric acid resistance of mineral additive mortars

Mineral additives are preferred to improve the physical, mechanical and durability properties of cement-based composites and to reduce the use of cement to prevent environmental pollution and high production costs. Within the scope of this study, a new pozzolanic material, ground profillite powder (GPP), was evaluated by comparing it with granular ground blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), and it was used as a substitute for cement at ratios of 5, 10 and 15% by weight. The effects of these two mineral additives on the mechanical and physical properties of mortars and their resistance to sulfuric acid (SA) were investigated. In the production of the mortar samples, CEM I 42.5/R-type Portland cement (ordinary Portland cement) was used as the binder, and 0–4 mm crushed sand was used as the aggregate. Mineral additive and non-additive mortars were produced in the laboratory environment in dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm. Spreading values, bending and compressive strengths, water absorption and porosity values and weight and strength loss values under the effect of SA were examined comparatively. It was determined that the mortar samples produced using GPP showed higher resistance to SA attacks than the pure and GGBFS-added mortars, reducing weight losses up to 21% and compressive strength losses up to 30%.

The Evaluation of Tree Bark as Filler for Wood-Plastic Composites: Experimental Study and Modelling

Tree bark is one of the waste materials produced during harvesting. In this study, tree bark was evaluated for the production of WPCs. Three tree barks (Oak, Calabrian pine, and Cedar) were added to the matrix as an alternative for wood flour (20-80 mesh). Different tree bark content (10, 20, 40%) were also selected. The tree bark-based WPCs were produced with the flat-pressed method. The effect of tree bark on water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) were investigated during the 14 days. Tree barks have a significant effect on the WA and TS properties of the composites. As the bark content increased, the WA and TS values decreased. While the WA values increased up to 11.27% for control samples, it is only 3.27% for 40% of tree bark. Similar results were also observed for TS values. Also, the prediction models were developed using multiple linear regression (MLR). Correlation coefficient (R2) values of models were determined as 0.882, 0.853, and 0.850 for oak, Calabrian pine, and cedar WA values and 0.889, 0.839, and 0.879 for oak, Calabrian pine, and cedar TS values, respectively. The results showed that tree bark has the potential as an alternative to wood flour for WPC production.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRAFINE CLAY-WOOD DUST HYBRID REINFORCED RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE MATRIX COMPOSITE FOR SEMI-STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

This research involves the production of polymer matrix composites as a combination of ultrafine clay, wood dust and recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) where the matrix is recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, and the dispersed phase (hybrid fillers) are ultrafine clay and wood dust. The proportion of recycled PET used for composite production varied from 97 wt% - 99 wt%, while that of wood dust varied from 0.5 wt% - 2 wt% and ultrafine clay from 0.5 wt% - 2 wt%. Physical tests including porosity, water absorption and flammability tests were also carried out on the developed samples. Results obtained from physical tests revealed that the densities of ultrafine clay-wood dust hybrid reinforced recycled PET composites (1.051 - 1.209 g/cm3) were relatively higher than those of ultrafine clay reinforced recycled PET composites and wood dust reinforced recycled PET composite. The WD2 composite sample has the least experimental density value of 0.793 g/cm3. The percentage water absorption rate of the wood dust reinforced recycled PET composites were relatively higher than the ultrafine clay reinforced recycled PET composites. The percentage water absorption rate of the hybrid reinforced recycled PET composites were in between those of the wood dust reinforced and ultrafine clay reinforced fillers. The UFC0.5 composite sample (0.5 wt% ultrafine clay, 0 wt% wood dust reinforced 99.5 wt% recycled PET composite sample) has the least percentage water absorption value of 0.12846535 when compared to other samples. The porosity of the hybrid reinforced recycled PET composite samples were relatively lower than the control sample and separately reinforced samples with ultrafine clay and wood dust. However, HB1 composite sample has the least % porosity value of 1.1563. UFC2 has the least flame propagation rate of value of 0.05482456 mm/s.
 Keywords: Ultrafine Clay, Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polymer Matrix Composite, Wood Dust.

Bio-friendly fluorescent polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin/chitosan hydrogel membranes strengthened by g-C3N4/CQDs nanocomposite: Preparation, investigation of UV-absorption, mechanical and rheological properties

This study’s purpose is to synthesize fluorescent hydrogel membranes using polyvinyl alcohol, chitosan and gelatin as bio-friendly substances, and to analyze the strengthening effect of graphitic carbon nitride/carbon quantum dots nanocomposite (g-C3N4/CQDs) on optical, mechanical and rheological properties of the synthesized hydrogel membranes (HMs). A two-step pyrolysis of the mixture of starch as a natural resource and urea as a nitrogen resource with 1:10 weight proportion was utilized to synthesize g-C3N4/CQDs nanocomposite via microwave-assisted system. Water absorption value in the synthesized samples was calculated 237–275%. UV absorbance and fluorescence features were investigated by UV–visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Results indicated that adding 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% g-C3N4/CQDs to HMs matrix led to UV absorption in 225, 275 and 395 nm wavelengths and strong fluorescence emission in 515 nm (green region). Samples flexibility was figured 22–56% by tensile test results so that by an increase in filler content, flexibility was driven down but tensile strength was driven up. Rheometry test findings confirmed that g-C3N4/CQDs adding resulted in improvement of rheological properties of the HMs like storage modulus and loss modulus, and growth of complex viscosity.

Analisis Kuat Tekan Dan Penyerapan Air Menggunakan Pasir Tailing Timah Dan Kaolin

The environmental damage resulting from mining not only eliminates soil fertility but changes the landscape of the existing ecosystem and produces waste such as tailings and kaolin and understory. The results of tin and kaolin tailings mining have not been utilized optimally. This research aims to analyze the effect of using tin tailings sand and kaolin on bricks which produces compressive strength and water absorption in accordance with standards. The method used is to take tin and kaolin tailings mixed with clay with a predetermined composition and tested in the laboratory. Based on the test results, the compressive strength value obtained meets the standards, namely the percentage of 15% tin tailings sand and 10% kaolin, the compressive strength value is 5,150 Mpa. The water absorption value using percentages of 5%, 10% and 15% tin tailings sand and 10% kaolin has met the specified standards.

Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Fly Ash for a Partial Replacement of Cement in High-Quality, Environmentally Friendly Mortar as a Solution to Industrial Waste

This study explores the effects of incorporating palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and fly ash (FA) as partial cement substitutes on the mechanical properties and characteristics of high-quality mortar, specifically Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). ECC mortar was fabricated by milling POFA waste and FA through a top-down method utilizing a ball mill. The resulting material was subjected to tests for slump flow, water absorption, compressive strength, and characterized through XRF, FTIR, SEM/EDX, and XRD analyses. FTIR analysis verified the existence of Si-O and Al-O groups within the composite made of POFA-FA ECC. XRF analysis of FA and POFA showed cementitious properties, with SiO2+Al2O3+Fe2O3 exceeding 50% and CaO surpassing 10%. SEM and XRD results indicated minimal cavity formation, suggesting a high compressive strength in the mortar. Particle size distribution analysis revealed prevalent particles in the 1.5×10−1 to 2.0×10−1 μm range. The compressive strength test after 28 days, incorporating 15% FA and 10% POFA, yielded the highest strength at 59.30 MPa. The water absorption values ranged from 1.25% to 2.67%, indicating that POFA-FA assists in the cement hydration process and also serves as a filler. As a result, the material’s density is very high, leading to fewer voids formed, thus reducing the trapped water, which significantly affects the mortar’s strength.

Porcelain Stoneware Tiles Based on Clays Mixture and Recycled Waste Glass Powder: Effect of Soaking Time

The effect of soaking time on the properties of porcelain stoneware tiles based on clay mixture and recycled waste glass powder was studied. Mixture was prepared and fired at 1150°C. During firing, raw mixture was subjected to various soaking times: 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. The by-products were characterized by their linear shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, flexural strength, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were modelled by using different mathematical expressions. The results demonstrated that physico-mechanical properties of ceramic probe are significantly affected by soaking time. After 30 min, products satisfied the ISO 13006 standard condition for porcelain stoneware wall and floor tiles: water absorption value was lowest (0.07%) and mechanical strength value was 44.4 MPa. Prolonged soaking time was undesirable due to its negative effect (bloating) on the products’ physical and mechanical performance. The XRD patterns indicated the presence of mullite, cristobalite, enstatite, anorthite, hematite and quartz as the main crystalline phases. SEM images of the tiles fired at 1150°C for 30 min display a very close texture and dense microstructure.

Characterization of biodegradable plastic from jackfruit seed waste with the addition of rice straw cellulose

Biodegradable plastic is an environmentally friendly plastic; most of the components come from renewable raw materials. Biodegradable plastic can be made from starch derived from waste such as jackfruit seeds. Biodegradable plastics made only from starch have poor physical and mechanical properties, so adding reinforcement such as cellulose is necessary. One of the wastes that contain cellulose is rice straw waste. This study aimed to obtain the best ratio of jackfruit seed starch and rice straw cellulose to biodegradable plastic’s physical and mechanical properties. This research was carried out experimentally using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments, namely the ratio of starch and cellulose PS1 (1:0,3), PS2 (1:0,4), PS3 (1:0,5) PS4 (1:0,6), and PS5 (1:0,7) with three repetitions, 15 experimental units were obtained. The data obtained was analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). If Fcount ≥ Ftable data is obtained, it will be continued with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The selected treatment was PS5 (starch ratio 1:0,7 cellulose) with had water absorption rate of 34,82%, water vapor transfer rate of 19,12 g/m2hour, tensile strength of 20,21 MPa, elongation of 5,33%, and biodegradation for 6 days. The results showed that the addition of rice straw cellulose had a significant effect on the value of water absorption, water vapor transfer rate, tensile strength, elongation and biodegradation of the resulting biodegradable plastic.

Evaluation of water absorption and solubility of digitally and conventionally produced temporary fixed materials

Background/Aim: The study aims to evaluate water sorption and solubility of conventional and digitally produced temporary fixed materials. Material and Methods: A total of 40 disc-shaped specimens were prepared from two conventionally produced temporary fixed materials: bis-acrylic composite resin (Protemp 4-PT) and acrylic resin (Dentalon plus-DP) and two digitally produced [3D printing (MACK4D Temp-MT) and CAD/CAM milling (On Dent-OD)]. The prepared disks were dried in a desiccator until they reached a constant mass. They were then kept in distilled water at 37°C for 1 week and weighed. The weights of the specimens, which were again subjected to conditions similar the initial drying procedure, were measured. Water absorption and solubility values were calculated by formula. The data obtained were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tamhane or Tukey post hoc test (a=.05). Results: Water absorption values of the PT group (24.16±8.1 µg/mm 3) were statistically higher than all other groups (p= 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the pairwise comparisons of OD, MT, and DP groups (p>0.05). When the water solubility values were analyzed, DP group (0.49±2.01 µg/mm 3) showed no significant difference with the PT group (1.69±2.2 µg/mm 3) (p=0.402), while they were higher than OD (-3.96±0.84 µg/mm 3) and MT (-10.29±1.37 µg/ mm 3) groups. In addition, a significant difference was observed in the water solubility values of CAD/CAM-3D groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: All of test groups were found to be within the values recommended by ISO standards. It can be inferred that the PT material may cause the most staining.

Optimization of Unsaturated Polyester Resin Matrix Composite Materials Reinforced Banana (Musa Balbisiana) Fronds Composition Towards Tensile Test

This study aims to find out how the physical and mechanical properties of banana tree frond fibers are strengthened by a polyester matrix with various variations of fiber fractions. The study began by making three types of specimens with differences in volume fractions, namely 6% fiber + 94% matrix, 9% fiber + 91% matrix and 12% fiber + 88% matrix with the hand lay – up method. The results of making composites are carried out physical properties testing in the form of density testing, water absorption and thick development and mechanical testing with tensile tests. The results of the physical properties test show that the average density value of each volume fraction variation is above the JIS A509 – 2003 standard. The water absorption value and the thick development of the three fraction variations are still below the maximum limit. While in mechanical properties testing, the highest tensile strength value was obtained at a volume fraction of 12% fiber + 88% matrix with an average tensile strength value of 37.28 MPa.

The use of natural (coconut) and artificial (glass) fibers in cement – polymer composites: An experimental study

Fiber reinforced concrete composites are a group of high-performance materials with considerably enhanced stress-strain properties. Similar effects can also be achieved using polymeric binders whereby the inclusion of the polymers as binder can significantly enhance the physical-mechanical properties of the resulting concretes. In this regard, the following study investigates the impact of utilizing natural (e.g., coconut) versus artificially manufactured fibers (e.g., glass fiber) in polymer-cementitious composites. In doing so, 14 mixes were produced using various ratios of the two fibers. To evaluate the properties of the produced samples a series of tests including flow diameters, unit weights, water absorption values, compressive strengths, flexural strengths and ultrasound transmission rates were determined. Also, to evaluate the microstructural cohesion of polymer-cement and polymer-coconut samples, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) has also been used. The results show that the surface texture of fibers can play a key role in major engineering properties of the fiber reinforced concretes and that the natural fibers have great potential to be used as high-performance materials in cementitious composites. Also, it is found that the use of polymer as the main binder can provide higher adhesion with fibers containing smoother surface (e.g., glass fiber) at the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In the end, recommendation for future studies is also included.

Particleboard from biomass wastes: A review of production techniques, properties, and future trends

The availability of various biomass wastes and the stringent rules against deforestation have led to the increased utilization of waste biomass in particleboard development. These biomass wastes become environmental pollutants when not properly managed. Hence, their utilization in developing particleboards helps attain a sustainable environment, one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This study reviews some of the production techniques of particleboards from biomass wastes such as rice husk, sawdust, corn cob, sugarcane bagasse, oat hulls, coconut fibers, Areca nuts, rye straw, tomato stalk, hazelnuts, and castor husk. The properties (physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal) and microstructures of the developed particleboards using a scanning electron microscope were critically reviewed. The density values were used to classify the particleboards into low-density, medium-density, and high-density particleboards. The particleboard's durability, storability, and dimensional stability are determined using the water absorption and thickness swelling values. The modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture help to determine the quality and applicability of the particleboards following the appropriate standards. Lower thermal conductivity indicates better insulation properties. The challenges and prospects of particleboard production and utilization were stated. The utilization of waste biomass for particleboard production is sustainable to prevent environmental pollution and deforestation.

Manufacturing and Characterization of Three Modified Vegetable Oil–Added Polylactic Acid Composites

Polylactic acid (PLA) was modified with three types of modified vegetable oils (MVOs), which are the epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), maleinized sunflower oil (MSO), and maleinized olive oil (MOO), at different weight fractions. A corotating twin screw extruder was used to produce composite materials by the melt‐mixing process. The effect of MVO content, from 2.5% to 10%, on the morphology, mechanical properties, density, and water absorption was investigated in detail. The addition of ESBO and maleinized vegetable oils leads to a slight decrease in the density of PLA from 1.252 to 1.231 g/cm3. As the concentration of MVO in PLA increases, the amount of water absorption also increases, and the highest water absorption value was observed in P10MSO. The FTIR spectra of all concentrations of the MOO and MSO have two peaks at 1781 and 1861 cm−1, attributed to the C=O stretching which is related to maleic acid copolymerization. In general, the elastic modulus (EM) was slightly changed by the addition of MVOs to PLA, while the tensile strength (TS) decreased. Due to the plasticizing effect of MVOs, an increase in the Izod impact strength was obtained.

Fully bio-based water-resistant wood coatings derived from tree bark.

Surface protection is essential when using wood as a construction material. However, the industry lacks sustainable alternatives to replace the presently dominant fossil-based synthetic water-resistant coatings. Here, we show a fully bio-based wood surface protection system using components sourced from birch bark and spruce bark, inspired by the natural barrier function of bark in trees. The coating formulation contains suberinic acids and spruce bark polyphenols, resulting in a waterborne suspension that is safe and easy to apply to wood. The polyphenols play a dual role in the formulation as they stabilize the water-insoluble suberinic acids and serve as nanofillers in the thermally cured coating, enabling the adjustment of the mechanical properties of the resulting coating. When applied to spruce wood, the coating formulation with 10% polyphenol and 90% suberinic acids achieved a water absorption value of 100 g m-2 after 72 hours of water exposure, demonstrating superior performance compared to an alkyd emulsion coating. We conclude that instead of combusting tree bark, it can serve as a valuable resource for wood protection, closing the circle in the wood processing industry.

Effect of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Powder and Quince (Cydonia oblonga) Seed Mucilage on Physical, Chemical, Textural and Sensory Properties of Turkish Noodles

In this study, persimmon powder (PP) was substituted in concentrations of 0, 5 and 10% per 100 g of einkorn flour (EF) in Turkish noodle production. Quince seed mucilage (QSM) was used as an egg replacer at levels of 20, 30 and 40%. The cooking properties, chemical composition, color values, texture characteristics, and sensory properties of Turkish noodles were determined. The lowest cooking time (8.33 min) was found in Turkish noodles substituted with 10% PP. When 40% QSM was added to the formulation, both volume increase and water absorption values increased. Turkish noodles produced with a higher concentration of PP resulted in increased ash, crude fiber, mineral contents, especially in potassium, and total phenolic content. The lowest firmness and work of shear were obtained when PP and QSM substitutions were increased up to 10% and 40%, respectively. The sensory evaluation indicated that Turkish noodles substituted with 10% PP were greatly appreciated by the panelists in terms of taste, odor, and overall acceptability.

Thermophysical properties plaster of Paris ceilings reinforced with oil palm mesocarp fiber for building design

This research focused on how to solve disposal problem associated with oil palm mesocarp fiber by using it to modify plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling. Untreated oil palm mesocarp fiber (UOPMF) and treated oil palm mesocarp fiber (TOPMF) were separately utilized at various weight fractions to fabricate ceiling samples with the POP. The samples were developed in triplicates, dried completely and then tested for their thermophysical propertiess. Samples with varied thicknesses were also prepared for investigation of heat flow time. The results showed changes in mean values of water absorption (12.22 – 25.75) %, bulk density (1.768 – 1.407) 103 kgm-3, thermal conductivity (0.2245 – 0.1465) Wm-1K-1, specific heat capacity (1.498 – 1.825) 103 Jkg-1K-1, thermal diffusivity (8.477 – 5.705) 10-8 m2s-1, and solar radiation absorptivity (20.71 – 25.25) m-1 as the fraction of the UOPMF increased from 0 % to 40 %. In the case of utilizing the TOPMF, the respective changes were found to be (12.22 – 31.33) %, (1.768 – 1.477) kgm-3, (0.2245 – 0.1627) Wm-1K-1, (1.498 – 1.789) 103 Jkg-1K-1, (8.477 – 6.164) 10-8 m2s-1, and (20.71 – 24.20) m-1. Heat flow time related positively with the thickness of the samples. Though it was revealed that all the samples could perform better than conventional ceilings like asbestos and polyvinyl chloride, the UOPMF exhibited a greater potential than the TOPMF for improving thermal insulation performance of the samples. Hence, recycling the mesocarp fiber in the described manner could ensure availability of cost-effective and more thermally-efficient POP ceilings for building design.