Republic of the Philippines

NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cabanatuan City

1st Semester, A.Y. 2024-2025

Semester/ School Year

CE 412 - CE PROJECT 1 ( Research Methods)

Subject Code and Title

SUBMISSION NO.3

PROJECT METHODOLOGY
TITLE

____________________________________
Group No. or Student Name

______________________
Year and Section

Engr. Roselle C. Gonzales

Instructor

Date Submitted : ________________________________

Date Returned : _________________________________

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PULVERIZED DRY SPHAGNUM MOSS AND BAMBOO SAWDUST MIXED WITH

ELASTOMERIC PAINT AS THERMAL INSULATION FOR EXTERNAL WALL

Justine Ryan L. Malgapo

Ericka S. Dichoso

Geoffrey Dayle J. Eligino

Hermie Ceazar A. Velasco

Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

Sumacab Campus, Cabanatuan City

Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering

CE 412 CE Project 1

Engr. Roselle C. Gonzales

December 10, 2024

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CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTINGS

Introduction

The primary function of building thermal insulation is to reduce unwanted heat gain or loss

across the building envelope, thereby improving the thermal comfort of the occupants. The reduction

in heat gain is reflected in the lower energy demand for cooling or heating in buildings, resulting in

lower greenhouse gas emissions. (Manohar, 2016)

According to Thermtest 2023, homes without high-quality insulation require more energy to

maintain a stable internal temperature. This can result in higher utility bills and more greenhouse gas

emissions. A poorly insulated roof is estimated to be responsible for more than 35% of heat loss in a

home or building, with the walls accounting for an additional 25% if not adequately insulated.

According to an article published by Asterra 2023, one crucial aspect of eco-insulation is its

contribution to sustainability and environmental protection. With a growing awareness of climate

change and the need to reduce carbon footprints, there is a high demand for insulation materials with

low environmental impact. Eco-friendly insulation options provide renewable and biodegradable

alternatives to traditional materials, helping to achieve a negative carbon footprint and create more

sustainable living environments.

The interest in vegetable fibers increases when considering the use of the wastes generated in

the processing of agricultural products, namely in the manufacture of thermal insulating materials,

which allows their revaluation instead of disposal. In addition, agro-wastes have the potential to

create efficient materials regarding thermomechanical, energetical, and cost performances, along with

practical sustainability (Bakatovich et al., 2019).

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Sphagnum moss grows in moist forests or marsh areas but is most frequently found in high

moors. It grows under natural conditions, predominantly in acidic or sub-neutral, nutrient-poor

environments with a high water level. Sphagnum moss is the most critical factor for the growth of

high moors, where moss has built peat layers several meters thick since the last glacier epoch.

Whereas peat moss was harvested from local, natural moors in former times, its sustainable

cultivation is currently the focus of research activities (Kain et al., 2021).

According to Bakatovich et al. (2019), the properties of Sphagnum moss include ecological

compatibility, medicinal (bactericidal) properties, nonsusceptibility to decay, and low thermal

conductivity. Considering these positive qualities, the use of moss as plate heat insulation material is

fascinating.

Sawdust is a natural and renewable material from wood processing waste, and its traditional

disposal method is centralized burning. With the increase of the environmental protection requisite,

sawdust powder has become more and more widely reused in preparing biomass-based thermal

insulating materials. Although studies have highlighted sawdust as a potential raw material for

preparing thermal insulation materials for buildings, further research is still needed to improve

thermal insulation performance and practical application ability. (Li et al., 2022).

Conceptual Framework

In this study, the framework will adapt the similar study from Ratanachotinun J. and Pairojn, P(2021)

of using silica aerogel as additives for paint coatings for thermal insulations where they use the ratio

of 0.5 %, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5 % and 3% of the total paint weight. By adapting this data, the

researchers will use the same method to determine the optimum ratio for a refined elastomeric paint

for external walls.

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Processed Sphagnum Moss from Garden Shops,

Gathering of Materials
Bamboo Sawdust from waste products of woodworking
& Elastomeric Paint from Paint Shops

Using DPM Using BS Combined

only @ 0.5%, only @ 0.5%, Additives @
Dry Sphagnum Moss & 1%, 1.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 0.5%,1%,
Bamboo Sawdust 2%, 2.5% 2%, 2.5% 1.5%,2%,
Content and 3%
and 3% 2.5% and 3%
Weight of Weight of Weight of
Elastomeric Elastomeric Elastomeric
Paint Paint Paint

Thermal Insulation Test

Testing
Adhesion Test (ASTM D3359)

Abrasion Resistance Test (ASTM D2289)

Output Unconventional Refined Elastomeric Paint using

Additives

Figure 1: Conceptual Framework for Thermal Insulation using Innovated Elastomeric Paint

Statement of the Problem

Thermal insulation plays a vital role in improving the energy efficiency and comfort of

buildings by regulating indoor temperatures and reducing energy consumption. However,

conventional insulation materials, such as foam boards and fiberglass, often pose environmental

challenges due to their high carbon footprint, non-biodegradability, and cost. This creates a need for
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sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternatives to meet external walls' thermal insulation

requirements.

This study seeks to address this problem statement:

Statement: What are the potentials of using dry sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust to produce an

eco-friendly thermal insulation?

Hypothesis

The following hypothesis could be tested regarding this study:

H1: The mixture of pulverized dry sphagnum moss, bamboo sawdust, and elastomeric paint does not

significantly improve the thermal insulation performance of external walls compared to traditional

insulation materials or untreated walls.

H2: The mixture of pulverized dry sphagnum moss, bamboo sawdust, and elastomeric paint

significantly improves the thermal insulation performance of external walls compared to traditional

insulation materials or untreated walls.

Objectives of the Study

By conducting this study, it aims to:

1. To analyze the outdoor surface temperature reduction achieved by the sphagnum moss and

bamboo sawdust in elastomeric paint.

2. To determine the optimal ratio of sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust that can be applied in

elastomeric paint for maximum effectiveness in thermal insultion

3. To assess the adhesion and durability of the composite material when applied to external wall

surfaces under various environmental conditions.

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Significance of the Study

This research highlights the potential of using sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust mixed

with elastomeric paint as thermal insulation for external walls in residential houses. The aim is to

develop a sustainable and eco-friendly thermal insulation paint that can help decrease heat gain in

residential homes, reducing energy consumption and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The

findings of this study may be beneficial to countries experiencing extreme heat, such as the

Philippines.

Scopes and Delimitations

This study focuses on developing and evaluating the thermal insulation potential of a mixture

made from pulverized dry sphagnum moss, bamboo sawdust, and elastomeric paint. Experimental

procedures will simulate various environmental conditions to assess the mixture's insulation

efficiency compared to traditional insulation materials and untreated walls. The study is limited to

pulverized dry sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust as the primary natural materials for the mixture

only while other types of organic fillers are not considered. Testing will only focus on small-scale

wall panels rather than building structures. The study will also not include the long-term degradation

or weathering effects beyond simulated environmental conditions. These limitations aim to narrow

the focus of the research while providing a foundation for future studies on eco-friendly insulation

solutions.
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Definition of Terms

Agro waste. Agricultural by-products, such as bamboo sawdust, used in sustainable practices to

reduce waste and create environmentally friendly materials.

Bamboo Sawdust. A renewable by-product of bamboo processing.

Durability. The ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time, which is a key

factor in assessing the practical application of the insulation mixture.

Elastomeric Paint. A type of paint characterized by its elasticity and ability to form a durable,

weather-resistant coating.

Energy Efficiency. The reduction of energy consumption required for heating or cooling a space,

often achieved through effective insulation that minimizes heat transfer.

Heat Gain. The transfer of heat into a building due to external environmental conditions, which

insulation aims to minimize to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

Sphagnum Moss. A natural material commonly found in high-moisture environments such as moors

and marshes. It is known for its low thermal conductivity, ecological compatibility, and resistance to

decay.

Thermal Insulation. The process or material used to reduce heat transfer through building envelopes,

such as walls, roofs, and floors, to improve indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
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CHAPTER II

METHODS AND PROCEDURE

Research Design

The study will employ an experimental research design to evaluate the feasibility and

performance of a thermal insulation material made from pulverized dry sphagnum moss, bamboo

sawdust, and elastomeric paint. This design allows for systematic testing under controlled conditions,

ensuring precise measurement of variables and the reliability of results.

Research Locale

The study will take place at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST)

where researchers will use the availability of laboratory to test different samples and gather the data

to be used in this research. Researchers will also conduct the study at Department of Science and

Technology to process different mixtures of paint before testing.

Research Instrument

In order to gather data for this study, the researchers establish research instruments in which it

is separated into material source, measuring devices and laboratory equipment that are required to

fulfill the research objectives. Thermal Insulation Test is used to evaluate a material's ability to resist

the transfer of heat. It measures how effectively a material can reduce heat flow between two

environments, typically across its surface or through its structure. Adhesion Test measures the

strength of the bond between a coating and the surface to which it is applied. This test is crucial for

evaluating how well the coating adheres under various conditions and ensures durability and
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performance in practical applications. The bamboo sawdust can be obtained from waste products of

woodworks. Dry Sphagnum Moss can obtain by oven-drying the moss until it dries and blender it into

powder. Measuring Tools, such as thermometer, timer, wall panel, and ruler will also be used to

ensure that the data are accurate during preparation and testing. These instruments are essential in

gathering reliable data to determine the impacts of elastomeric paint mix with dry sphagnum moss

and bamboo sawdust for thermal insulation.

2.3. Data Gathering Procedure

The procedure of data collection for this research is to collect and analyze elastomeric paint

samples with dry sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust mix. The researchers are required to follow

important steps in conducting this study.

Materials Preparation

1. Sphagnum Moss

- The samples of sphagnum moss will be collected and stored at room temperature.

- The samples will then be cleaned to remove unnecessary particles.

- After cleaning, the sample should be oven-dried to remove its moisture.

- After drying, it should be put into the blender to achieve a pulverized sphagnum moss.

2. Bamboo Sawdust

- The samples of sphagnum moss will be collected and stored at room temperature.

- The samples will then be cleaned to remove unnecessary particles.

- After cleaning, it should be put into the blender to achieve a pulverized result.
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3. Elastomeric Paint

- Using the pulverized sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust, mix it with the elastomeric paint

in different portions of the said material additives ( 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3% )

Testing of the Sample

- Apply the experimental paint mixture to test wall panels

- Prepare control samples using standard elastomeric paint for comparison.

Thermal Insulation Test

- Use a heat source and thermomethers to measure temperatures.

- Place the test panels in an insulation box or similar setup to minimize external temperature

interference.

- Position the heat source at a fixed distance from one side of the panel.

- Attach thermometers to the hot side and the opposite side of the panel.

- Turn on the heat source and record the temperature at both sides at regular intervals 9

- Record the temperature differences between the hot and cold sides for both experimental and

control panels.

- Note the time taken for heat to penetrate through the panel.

Adhesion Test

- Use an adhesion tester (e.g., pull-off adhesion tester or cross-cut tester) suitable for paint

coatings.

- Ensure the painted panels are mounted securely for testing.

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- For pull-off tests: Attach a metal dolly to the coated surface using adhesive, apply a pulling

force, and record the force needed to detach the coating.

- For cross-cut tests: Use a blade to make a grid of cuts in the paint, apply tape over the cuts,

peel it off, and observe the amount of coating removed.

- Record the force (in Newtons or equivalent units) required to detach the paint.

- Note the failure type (adhesive, cohesive, or mixed) and observe any patterns in detachment.

Abrasion Resistance Test

- Apply the composite material onto test panels, simulating its application on external walls.

- Use standardized abrasion resistance testing methods, such as the Taber Abraser, to mimic the

frictional forces external walls experience.

- Quantify the material loss or surface damage after subjecting the sample to a predetermined number

of abrasion cycles.

- Determine if the material maintains sufficient integrity and functionality for real-world application.

Data Analysis and Techniques

To analyze the effectiveness of pulverized dry sphagnum moss and bamboo sawdust mixed with

elastomeric paint as thermal insulation for external walls, key data points include thermal

conductivity, adhesion, moisture resistance, durability, fire resistance, and cost-efficiency. Thermal

testing involves temperature sensors and thermal imaging to measure heat transfer, while adhesion

and durability are evaluated through pull-off tests and environmental aging simulations. Moisture

resistance is assessed through water absorption tests, and fire safety is tested by measuring ignition

times and burn rates. Statistical analyses, such as ANOVA, will determine the significance of
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performance differences across 10 various mixture ratios. Cost-benefit analysis will compare

production and efficiency with commercial alternatives, ensuring the material’s viability as a

sustainable and effective thermal insulator.

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Reference:

Asterra (2023). Exploring Sustainable Materials in Home Insulation.

[Link]

Bakatovich et al., (2019). Composite material for thermal insulation based on moss raw material.

[Link]

ermal%[Link]

Kain et al., (2021). Production and Physical-Mechanical Characterization of Peat Moss (Sphagnum)

Insulation Panels. [Link]

Li et al., (2022). Thermal insulation performances of carbonized sawdust packed bed for energy

saving in buildings. [Link]

Manohar (2016). A Comparison of Banana Fiber Insulation with Biodegradable Fibrous Thermal

Insulation. [Link]

Thermtest (April, 2023). The Top Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials. [Link]

eco-friendly-insulation-materials
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