Thermal conductivity and sound absorption performance of panels based on coir fiber and castor oil resin

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal conductivity and sound absorption performance of panels based on coconut fiber and castor oil resin, with potential application in walls, roofs and floors, considering their alignment with current standards. Panels composed of a mass ratio of 85% fiber and 15% castor oil resin were produced by centrifugation mixing and pressing to achieve thickness of 5 cm. The produced panels were assessed at densities of 60 kg/m³, 80 kg/m³, and 100 kg/m³ and were evaluated by grammage, moisture absorption, longitudinal tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption coefficient. The production process proved to be suitable. The thermal conductivity values ranged from 0.061 W/mK to 0.064 W/mK similar values to commercial products such as rock wool (0.046 W/mK) and glass wool (0.045 W/mK). Moreover, the sound absorption performance resembled that of insulating materials like melamine foam, demonstrating better performance at low emission frequencies.