INTRODUCTION
The Philippines has been experiencing a notable increase in temperatures. According to Friederike
Otto (2024), April’s high temperature in Asia caused suffering and deaths from Gaza to Delhi to Manila.
She also added that heat waves have always occurred or nothing new.
Extreme heat events, Sometimes known as Heatwaves, have become more frequent,
intense, and prolonged globally as a result (Perkins et al., 2012). This increase is largely due to climate
change. In April 2024, the Department of Education declared that hundreds of schools in the Philippines
were forced to close due to the suffocating high temperatures. Exposure to high ambient
temperatures results in unnecessary death and suffering. Excess mortality is linked to both distinct heat
extremes (such as heatwaves)And summer temperatures Above long-term averages (Gasparrini et al.,
2013).The leading cause of death During heatwaves, however, is unquestionably all-
cause Cardiovascular disease, According to meta-analyses (Cheng et al., 2019).
Recent advancements in thermal insulation include the use of recycled expanded polystyrene
(EPS), which has been shown to offer thermal conductivity between 0.0603 to 0.0706 W/m·K, making it a
cost-effective and eco-friendly option for low-income housing while addressing environmental concerns
(Reynoso et al., 2021). The study by Bo Yuan et al. (2012) focuses on creating silica aerogel/glass fiber
composites through press forming. These composites combine silica aerogel for excellent heat insulation
with glass fibers for enhanced strength. The result is a durable and efficient insulating material suitable
for industrial applications.
The study by Reynoso et al. (2021) introduces recycled EPS waste as an alternative insulation
material for low-income housing, potentially reducing energy consumption. However, it overlooks the
long-term environmental impact of EPS, a non-biodegradable material that can persist in landfills for
centuries. Moreover, Alesia Lucas (2014) said that EPS releases toxic gases like styrene and benzene when
heated or burned, which pose health risks. A more sustainable approach would involve exploring bio-
based or fully recyclable materials to mitigate these environmental concerns and reduce reliance on EPS,
thereby addressing both immediate benefits and long-term impacts. On the other hand, the study by Bo
Yuan et al. (2012) on silica aerogel/glass fiber composites presents valuable insights into their thermal and
mechanical properties, yet there are some gaps and limitations. It highlights the benefits of these
composites in terms of heat insulation and strength, but it primarily focuses on specific temperatures
(300°C, 600°C, and 700°C) and does not explore the effect of varying the ratio of glass fibers and TiO2
across a broader temperature range. Additionally, the long-term durability and stability of the composites
under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or thermal cycling, are not addressed. The study also
does not consider alternative fiber materials or other additives that could improve performance. Finally,
while it acknowledges the mechanical improvements due to glass fibers, the trade-off between strength
and thermal insulation could be more rigorously quantified for practical applications.
In the search for eco-friendly thermal insulation materials, agricultural waste is often overlooked.
This study explores corn husks, corn cobs, and luffas—a renewable and abundant byproduct of
agriculture—as a sustainable source for thermal insulators. By repurposing corn husks, corn cobs, and
luffas this reduces waste and offer a natural alternative to synthetic insulation, contributing to both
environmental conservation and energy efficiency.
According to Pandecha et. Al (2015), corn husk has natural fibers like cellulose, hemicellulose, and
lignin, which give it good insulation properties. These fibers trap air within the structure, reducing heat
transfer and making corn husk an effective thermal insulator. Additionally, its low density and porous
structure contribute to its ability to retain warmth, making it a sustainable material for insulation
purposes.
Jorge Pinto et al. (2011) found that corn cobs have a closed cellular microstructure, similar to
extruded polystyrene (XPS), which provides good thermal insulation. Thermographic analysis showed that
corn cobs maintain surface temperatures comparable to XPS, demonstrating their potential as effective
thermal insulators. Corn cobs are natural, plant-based materials that decompose over time, rendering
them biodegradable and environmentally friendly (M. Kapoor et. Al 2016)
Stated by Anbukarasi et al. (2020), luffa fibers possess remarkable thermal insulation properties
attributed to their porous and fibrous structure. The air trapped within these fibers minimizes heat
transfer, making luffa a highly effective and sustainable option for insulation purposes.
The goal of using corn husk, corn cob, and luffa is to create an alternative thermal insulator that
enhance energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and providing a cost-effective alternative to
traditional materials . The material will then be processed and combined to form composite insulation
panels. To enhance the performance and durability of the insulation, natural binders such as starch, guar
gum, or cellulose-based resins will be used to provide structural integrity (Reddy & Yang, 2008).
Furthermore, fire retardants like borax or ammonium phosphate will be incorporated to improve fire
resistance, ensuring safety in various applications (Saroj et al., 2019). To prevent mold growth in humid
conditions, plant-based anti-microbial agents such as neem or tea tree oil can be added (Eichhorn et al.,
2008). This combination of materials and additives aims to create an eco-friendly and efficient thermal
insulator, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic options (Fereidoon, 2015).
