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Camanse Husk as Thermal Insulator

A Research Paper Proposal presented to

Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Research IV

Balancar, Arianna B.

Mariano, John Angelo P.

Serneo, John Miles A.

SHAI C. REQUISO

Research Teacher

Ayala National High School

Ayala, Zamboanga City

October 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study……………………………………………………..1

Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………….3

Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………….3

Significance of the Study……………………………………………………..3

Scope and Delimitations……………………………………………………...4

Operational Definition of Terms……………………………………………..5

CHAPTER III. METHODOLOGY

Research Design………………………………………………………………11

Research Sampling……………………………………………………………11

Research Locale………………………………………………………………11

Procedure………………………………………………………………………11

Data Analysis and Statistical Tool……………………………………………16

Flowchart of the Procedure…………………………………………………...17

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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Thermal insulation is a crucial technology for improving energy efficiency, reducing costs, and

mitigating environmental impacts in various applications. Insulation reduces heat transfer between

spaces, maintaining indoor temperatures in homes, industrial settings, and vehicles. With heating and

cooling accounting for nearly 50% of global energy consumption, efficient insulation systems are

essential for addressing the growing energy demand and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings contribute around 39% of energy-

related emissions, making them a critical sector for implementing energy-saving measures.

The Philippines faces unique challenges due to its tropical climate and rapid urbanization.

Rising energy demand for cooling systems and inefficiently insulated buildings strain the country’s

energy resources and contribute to environmental degradation. The Department of Energy (DOE) has

emphasized the need for energy-efficient building designs, such as the Energy Conserving Design for

Buildings policy, which highlights insulation as a key strategy to reduce energy consumption and

enhance sustainability. However, the availability and affordability of eco-friendly insulating materials

remain limited. This has prompted the exploration of alternative resources that can meet insulation

needs while supporting the country’s climate adaptation goals.

Camanse husk (Artocarpus camansi), an agricultural by-product, has gained attention as a

potential bio-based insulator. Its fibrous composition, rich in cellulose (40-50%) and lignin (10-15%),
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makes it an effective material for thermal resistance. Tannins and flavonoids enhance its durability and

moisture resistance, while calcium and potassium contribute to structural stability and fire resistance.

These properties position camanse husk as a viable alternative to conventional synthetic insulators,

which are often costly, non-biodegradable, and energy-intensive to produce.

The use of agricultural waste materials such as camanse husk also aligns with the principles of

a circular economy. Repurposing agricultural by-products reduces waste that would otherwise

contribute to pollution while creating valuable products that benefit industries and communities.

Organic thermal insulators offer environmental and economic advantages by addressing both resource

efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Previous studies have shown that agricultural waste materials, including coconut husks, corn

stalks, and banana fibers, exhibit promising thermal insulation properties. However, research specific

to camanse husk remains limited, particularly concerning its thermal conductivity, moisture

absorption, and long-term performance. This study aims to fill this gap by systematically evaluating

camanse husk as a bio-insulator, assessing its efficiency, durability, and potential for large-scale

application.

By investigating camanse husk's insulating properties, this research seeks to contribute to the

development of sustainable construction materials that address the global need for energy efficiency

and the local challenge of affordable, eco-friendly solutions. Beyond environmental benefits, this study
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promotes resource conservation, energy savings, and reduced reliance on synthetic materials, aligning

with broader efforts to mitigate climate change.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to evaluate Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) Husk as thermal insulator.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. Which among the treatments is the most effective in terms of thermal conductivity, and

water absorption rates?

Treatment 1: 35g of camanse husk with 8mL synthetic glue.

Treatment 2: 25g of camanse husk with 12mL synthetic glue.

Treatment 3: 30g of camanse husk with 10mL synthetic glue.

2. Is there a significant difference in the thermal conductivity, and water absorption rates of

Camanse Husk across different treatments?

Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant difference in the thermal conductivity, and water absorption

rates of Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) Husk across different treatments.

Significance of the Study

Environment

This study will benefit the environment since thermal insulators constructed from waste

materials contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by preserving resources, reducing

waste and diminishing carbon emissions in the manufacturing industry.

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Community

This study will help the community since using waste materials as thermal insulator can help

disseminate awareness about recycling and sustainability.

Economy

This study has the ability to help the local economies, offer new market opportunity and the use

of waste materials as thermal insulator is less costly making them more accessible to low-income

households

Future researchers

This study’s result will serve as reference for further and future research on Camanse

(Artocarpus camansi) Husk as Thermal Insulator. The related literature and studies would be

beneficial in providing information for future researchers.

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Scope and Limitations

The study will be conducted at Balancar's Residence, Calle Fatima, Zone 8 Ayala, Zamboanga

City, Philippines. The research will explore the thermal insulation properties of these materials,

specifically their thermal conductivity, and water absorption rates. The research will utilize a

quantitative approach, employing the guarded hot plate apparatus to measure thermal conductivity, and

a water immersion test for water absorption.

However, the study will be limited to the specific location of Balancar's Residence in

Zamboanga City. The research will only consider Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) husk as thermal

insulation materials, excluding other potential materials. The study will only focus on thermal

conductivity, and water absorption.

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Definition of terms

Camanse Husk - The fibrous outer layer of the Camanse (Artocarpus camans).

Thermal Conductivity (k)- A measure of a material's ability to conduct heat, determined by the

guarded hot plate, using the guarded hot plate method. It represents the rate of heat transfer through a

unit area of the material per unit temperature difference.

Water Absorption - The percentage increase in weight of a material after being immersed in water for

a specified time (24 hours in this case), calculated as the difference in weight before and after

immersion divided by the original weight.

Synthetic White Glue - A commercially available adhesive used as a binder to hold the durian husk

and jackfruit rind together in the thermal insulation panels.

Basic Hot Plate - A specific piece of equipment used to measure the thermal conductivity of the

prepared samples.

Thermocouple - is a device used to measure temperature by producing a voltage based on the

temperature difference between two conductors. In this experiment, it will monitor the temperature

across the insulation material.

Coolant Water - Water used to cool the cold plate of the guarded hot plate apparatus, maintaining a

consistent temperature difference between the hot and cold plates.

Silicon Sheets - Thin, flexible sheets of silicon used to create a smooth and uniform surface between

the hot plate, the sample, and the cold plate of the guarded hot plate apparatus. This ensures accurate

heat transfer measurements.

.
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Neoprene Rubber Sheet - is a synthetic rubber material characterized by its resistance to oils, fuels,

and various chemicals, used as a flexible barrier in thermal insulation applications.

Fourier's Law - describes how heat moves through a material.

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CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the procedure of the conduct of the study and the experimentation process

that will be undertaken to gather the needed data.

Research Design

In this study, the researchers will utilize the Quantitative Research Design, specifically the

Completely Randomized Design (CRD).

Research Sampling

This study will employ the Simple Random Sampling to randomize the 7 replicates in each

treatment.

Research Locale

This study is going to be conducted at Balancar’s Residence, Calle Fatima, Zone 8 Ayala,

Zamboanga City, Philippines.

Procedure

Gathering Of Materials

The researchers will gather 1 kilograms of Camanse Husk. Synthetic white glue will

serve as a binder. The apparatuses include 6 Nitrile Rubber Sheets, 3 Insulation Sheets, 1

Weighing Scale, 1 Thermometer, and 1 Guarded Hot Plate.

This methodology is adapted from Alhabeeb et al (2021) in their study of Thermal insulators

based on abundant Waste Materials.

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A. Pretreatment

The Camanse husks will be separated from their edible portions, and only the fibrous

components will be utilized. These materials will be thoroughly washed to ensure they are free

from dirt and contaminants that may interfere with the experiment.

Drying

After cleaning, the materials will be sun-dried for three days to remove moisture. The

drying process ensures the materials are in optimal condition for use as insulators.

B. Sample Preparation

Mixing

The Camanse Husks will be mixed with synthetic white glue to create a uniform mixture.

The glue acts as a binder to hold the fibrous materials together. Four treatments will be prepared,

each with different amounts of Sweet Potato Peel, Camanse Husk, and synthetic glue:

Treatment 1: 35g of camanse husk with 8mL synthetic glue.

Treatment 2: 25g of camanse husk with 12mL synthetic glue.

Treatment 3: 30g of camanse husk with 10mL synthetic glue.

Molding
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The mixtures will be poured into wooden molds measuring 10 cm x 3 cm, which will

give the panels a consistent size and shape. The mixture in each mold will be firmly pressed to

create compact insulation panels.

Drying and Curing

The pressed panels will be left to dry and cure at room temperature for seven days. This

drying process allows the panels to harden and achieve the structural integrity needed for thermal

insulation testing.

The thermal insulation properties of the prepared samples will be tested using the same

methodology as the original study.

C. Thermal Insulation Test

Once the panels have fully cured, their thermal conductivity will be tested using a

guarded hot plate apparatus. Heat will be applied to one side of the insulation panel, and the

temperature change on the opposite side will be monitored using thermocouples. This test will

determine how effectively each treatment resists heat transfer.

Data Collection

The procedure will involve taking temperature readings at regular intervals, using

Fourier’s Law to calculate thermal conductivity. The temperature difference across the insulation

material will be measured to assess the material's effectiveness in preventing heat transfer.

Calculation of Thermal Conductivity

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The thermal conductivity of Camanse Husks will be calculated using Fourier’s Law of

Heat Conduction:

D. Water Absorption Test

The panels will also undergo a water absorption test to assess their resistance to moisture.

Each panel will be weighed before being submerged in water for 24 hours. After immersion, the

panels will be gently dried with a towel to remove surface water, and then weighed again to

measure the increase in weight due to water absorption. Water absorption percentage will be

calculated using the following formula:

E. Data Analysis

The following properties will be analyzed:

Thermal Conductivity

Calculated from the thermal insulation test to determine how well the materials

resists heat transfer.

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Water Absorption

The water absorption percentage will be calculated and compared between

different set ups of Camanse Husk.

F. Comparison of Results

The performance of the different set ups of Camanse Husk as thermal insulators will be

compared based on their:

 Thermal Conductivity (k) Values

 Water Resistance

Data Analysis and Statistical Tool

To analyze the data gathered, the study will utilize mean, standard deviation,

One-Way ANOVA or Single-Factor ANOVA.

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Figure 1
Flowchart of the Procedure

Gathering Of Materials

Expected Set Ups

A. Pretreatment
Drying

B. Sample Preparation:

Mixing

Molding:

Drying and Curing:

C. Thermal Insulation Test:

Data Collection

Calculation of Thermal Conductivity

Comparison of Results
Data Analysis
Thermal Conductivity (k) Values
Water Absorption Test Thermal
Conductivity Water Resistance

Water Absorption

Data Analysis and Statistical Tool

(One-Way ANOVA or Single-factor ANOVA)