PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT OF A SUGARCANE BAGASSE FIBER INSULTATION PANEL FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS

Resano D.; Barranzuela J.; Ubillús F.; Guillen O.; Galarza A. · Revista Romana de Materiale/ Romanian Journal of Materials (2025)

Resumen

High-altitude human settlements, such as those in the Andes and the Himalayas, experience extreme temperature conditions, yet many houses in the Peruvian Andes lack thermal insulation due to the unavailability of affordable materials. As a result, respiratory diseases linked to low temperatures are widespread during the coldest months of the year. This study presents the development of an innovative thermal insulation panel made from locally sourced sugarcane bagasse fibers, bonded with polyvinyl acetate and fabricated using compression molding. The panel achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.043 W/m·K, which allows compliance with Peruvian thermal transmittance standards when applied in layers of approximately 6 cm thickness. The material exhibited a bulk density ranging from 86.7 to 105.3 kg/m³. Mechanical testing showed a low average tensile strength of 0.0144 kg/cm² and a flexural modulus of 0.116 kg/cm², indicating that the panel is not suitable for structural applications. However, it is effective as a non-structural thermal insulation solution. The proposed panel promotes a circular economy by repurposing agricultural by-product and offers a low-cost, biodegradable alternative to synthetic and mineral fiber insulations, contributing to reduce material costs and environmental impact in buildings.

Instituciones: Universidad de Piura