CHART
CHART
Insulation
Balancar, Arianna B.
SHAI C. REQUISO
Research Teacher
March 2025
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DEDICATION
This study is dedicated to the researchers' parents and guardians, who gave continuous
inspiration, motivation, and support throughout the research process. They kindly offered the
resources, mainly financial assistance, to assure the success of this microbial fuel cell study.
The study also expresses appreciation to Ms. Shai C. Requiso, the research adviser,
whose significant direction and help made this study feasible. Her competence and assistance
with all aspects of the research considerably helped to its effective conclusion.
Furthermore, we dedicate this research to our fellow students and future researchers who
share the same passion for environmental sustainability and innovation. May this study serve as a
stepping stone for further explorations in the field of sustainable thermal insulation and
Lastly, we offer this work to the scientific community and the environment, as we hope
that the findings of this research will contribute to reducing waste, promoting energy efficiency,
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researchers would like to convey their profound gratitude to their respected research
adviser, Ma'am Shai C. Requiso, for her essential advice, experience, and steadfast support
throughout the study process. Her insightful input, support, and mentorship have helped shape
The researchers would also like to thank Ma'am Cherelle A. Lanquin for her assistance
and experience in presenting an overview of this research. Their insightful views and knowledge
Furthermore, the researchers would like to thank Sir Paul Carlo Jacob of the Ayala
National High School SLRC for his cooperation in supplying the essential materials and
equipment for the study. His assistance has tremendously aided the effective completion of the
research.
The researchers are extremely appreciative to each of these individuals for their major
contributions. This microbial fuel cell study would not be feasible without their knowledge,
Finally, the researchers would want to thank the spiritual presence, in whatever manner it
may manifest in their life. They recognize the guiding power that has given them strength,
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate Camanse Husk (Artocarpus camansi) as a thermal insulator by
assessing its thermal insulation efficiency, water absorption rate, and creep resistance. With
increasing global energy consumption and environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable,
cost-effective, insulation materials continue to grow. This research investigates the potential of
Camanse Husk, an agricultural by-product, as an alternative to conventional synthetic insulators.
Three different treatments were prepared, varying in husk-to-binder ratio: treatment 1: 30g of
Camanse Husk with 10mL synthetic glue, treatment 2: 40g of Camanse Husk with 10mL
synthetic glue, treatment 3: 50g of Camanse Husk with 10mL synthetic glue The thermal
insulation efficiency was determined using the guarded hot plate method, while water absorption
was assessed through a 24-hour immersion test. Creep resistance was evaluated using a sustained
load test to measure long-term structural stability. Results revealed that Treatment 1 exhibited
the highest thermal insulation efficiency (45.3%), followed by Treatment 2 (43.97%) and
Treatment 3 (42.75%). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant difference among the
treatments (p = 0.0001). For water absorption, Treatment 3 had the lowest absorption rate
(3.26%). A significant difference was also observed (p = 0.0001). However, for creep resistance,
no significant difference was found among the treatments (p = 0.76439), suggesting that all
treatments exhibit similar durability under sustained stress. Based on these findings, it can be
concluded that optimizing Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) as a Thermal Insulator is an effective
approach for a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative. The null hypothesis was accepted for
creep resistance, indicating no significant differences among treatments, while it was rejected for
thermal insulation and water absorption.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title.……..………………………………………………………….……………......i
Dedication………………………………………………………….……………......ii
Acknowledgement……………………………….…………………………….……iii
Abstract………………………………………………………………...……...…......iv
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………….…v
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION
Hypothesis…………………………………………………………………...…3
Research Design………………………………………………………………8
Research Sampling……………………………………………………………8
Research Locale……………………………………………………………….8
Procedure……………………………………………………………………...8
Water Absorption……………………………………………………………..17
Tensile Strength………………………………………………………………19
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………21
Recommendation……………………………………………………………..23
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
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
fiberglass and synthetic foams are often too expensive or inaccessible, pushing households to rely on
synthetic insulators contributes to waste pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. Given these
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issues, there is a growing need to explore cost-effective and sustainable alternatives using locally
potential bio-based insulator. Its fibrous composition, rich in cellulose (40-50%) and lignin (10-15%),
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,
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
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
This study aims to evaluate Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) Husk as thermal insulator.
1. Which among the treatments is the most effective in terms of thermal conductivity, tensile
2. Is there a significant difference in the thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and water
absorption rates between the different treatments of Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) Husk and the
Hypothesis
Ho: There is no significant difference in the thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and
water absorption rates between the different treatments of Camanse (Artocarpus camansi) husk and the
Environment
This study will benefit the environment since thermal insulators constructed from waste
Community
This study will help the community since using waste materials as thermal insulator can help
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
The study was conducted at Mariano's Residence, Phase 1, Country Homes, Ayala, Zamboanga
City, Philippines. The research will explore the thermal insulation properties of these materials,
specifically their thermal conductivity, water absorption rates, and tensile strength. 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. This study will compare Camanse husk-
based insulation with a commercial insulator, Styrofoam with aluminum foil, to evaluate its
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
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
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
Synthetic White Glue - A commercially available adhesive used as a binder to hold the durian husk
Basic Hot Plate - A specific piece of equipment used to measure the thermal conductivity of the
prepared samples.
temperature difference between two conductors. In this experiment, it will monitor the temperature
Nitrile Rubber Sheet - is a synthetic rubber material characterized by its resistance to oils, fuels, and
Tensile Strength - the maximum amount of stress a material can withstand before it breaks.
Styrofoam - A lightweight, closed-cell plastic material commonly used for insulation due to its low
thermal conductivity.
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Aluminum Foil - a reflective metal sheet used in insulation to reduce radiant heat transfer.
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CHAPTER II
METHODOLOGY
This chapter presents the procedure of the conduct of the study and the experimentation process
Research Design
In this study, the researchers will utilize the Quantitative Research Design, specifically the
Research Sampling
This study will employ the Simple Random Sampling to randomize the 7 replicates in each
treatment.
Research Locale
This study will be conducted at Balancar’s Residence, Calle Fatima, Zone 8 Ayala, Zamboanga
City, Philippines.
Procedure
Gathering of Materials
Three (6) kilograms of Camanse Husk, twenty-one (21) Nitrile Rubber Sheets and two (2)
Bosny 250ml Synthetic white glue were gathered by the researchers. The apparatuses gathered from
the laboratory include one (1) Weighing Scale, three (3) Thermometer, and one (1) Guarded Hot Plate.
This methodology is adapted from Alhabeeb et al (2021) in their study of Thermal insulators
A. Pretreatment
The Camanse husks was be separated from their edible portions, and only the fibrous
components were utilized. These materials were thoroughly washed to ensure they are free from
Drying
After cleaning, the materials were sun-dried for seven days to remove moisture. The
drying process ensures the materials are in optimal condition for use as insulators.
Shredding
After drying, the husks were grinded using a grinder into pieces of approximately 0.5
cm. According to a study by Alhabeeb et al. (2021), reducing the husk into smaller, uniform
particles improves material homogeneity, ensuring a consistent mixture when combined with
binders like synthetic glue. Additionally, smaller particles facilitate the manufacturing process by
making the material easier to mold and press into standard panel sizes, as demonstrated in
research on rice husk insulation, where the optimal particle size was around 0.5 mm.
B. Sample Preparation
Mixing
The Camanse Husks were mixed with synthetic white glue to create a uniform mixture.
The glue acts as a binder to hold the fibrous materials together. Four treatments were prepared,
Unlike the Camanse husk-based treatments, Treatment 4 (Styrofoam with aluminum foil)
will not undergo mixing, molding, or drying, as it is a commercially available insulation material
Molding
The mixtures were poured into wooden molds measuring 16 x 9 inches, which gave the
panels a consistent size and shape. The mixture in each mold will be firmly pressed to create
The pressed panels were sun-dried for seven days. This drying process allowed the panels
to harden and achieve the structural integrity needed for thermal insulation testing.
The thermal insulation properties of the prepared samples were tested using the same
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
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temperature change on the opposite side will be monitored using thermometers. This test will
Data Collection
The procedure involved taking temperature readings at regular intervals, using Fourier’s
Law to calculate thermal conductivity. The temperature difference across the insulation material
The thermal conductivity of Camanse husk will be calculated using Fourier’s Law of
Heat Conduction:
The panels underwent a water absorption test to assess their resistance to moisture. Each
panel were weighed before being submerged in water for 24 hours. After immersion, the panels
were gently dried with a towel to remove surface water, and then weighed again to measure the
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increase in weight due to water absorption. Water absorption percentage was calculated using the
following formula:
E. Tensile Strength
To conduct the test, cured insulation panels prepared will be used. The samples are cut
The thickness and width of each sample will be carefully measured using a ruler or caliper to
The test setup involves attaching one end of the sample to a fixed support or clamp while
securing the other end to a bucket or hook capable of holding weights. Gradually, weights are
added to the bucket or hook in small increments while observing the sample for signs of
deformation or breakage. The total weight applied at the point of failure, when the sample
breaks, is recorded.
F. Data Analysis
Thermal Conductivity
Calculated from the thermal insulation test to determine how well the materials
Water Absorption
G. Comparison of Results
The performance of the different set ups of Camanse Husk as thermal insulators will be
Water Absorption
Tensile Strength
To analyze the data gathered, the study will utilize mean, standard deviation,
Gathering Of Materials
A. Pretreatment
Drying Shredding
B. Sample Preparation:
Mixing
1. Molding:
2. Drying and Curing:
Data Collection
Calculation of Thermal Conductivity
F. Data Analysis
D. Water Absorption Test E. Tensile Strength
Thermal
Conductivity
Tensile Strength
G. Comparison of Results
Water Absorption
Thermal Conductivity (k)
Values
CHAPTER III
This chapter presents the results of the statistically treated data which
were gathered in the study as well as the discussion and interpretation of the
results.
Table 1.1
Deviation
1 7 32.37 0.39
2 7 30.97 0.33
3 7 29.45 0.37
4 7 29.38 0.61
(29.45%), while Treatment 4 (29.38%), likely the control, had the lowest
indicating the most consistent results, whereas Treatment 4 had the highest
variation (0.61), making it the least stable setup. The results suggest that
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1 performing best overall. The control setup had the lowest efficiency and
materials.
Table 1.2
Total 47.00 27
much greater than the critical value (3.00), and the P-value (3.77433E-12) is
far below 0.05, confirming that at least one treatment significantly differs
from the others. The large between-group sum of squares (42.31) compared
error. This strongly supports the conclusion that the type of insulation
Water Absorption
Table 2.1
1 7 44.65 0.17
2 7 60.9 0.21
3 7 78.05 0.17
4 7 31.22 0.11
Table 2.1 presents the mean water absorption rate of the thermal
31.22. The standard deviation values indicate relatively low variability across
the treatments, ranging from 0.11 to 0.21. The results indicates that
Table 2.2
Total 8623.64 27
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absorption among the four treatments. The sum of squares (SS) for between-
group SS of 0.70. The degrees of freedom (df) are 3 for the between-group
and the P-value of 0.00001 is well below the significance level of 0.05. These
absorption, rejecting the null hypothesis and confirming that at least one of
Tensile Strength
Table 3.1
Deviation
1 7 1.8 0.13
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2 7 2.31 0.11
3 7 2.91 0.13
4 7 1.19 0.09
Table 1.3 shows that the tensile strength of the thermal insulator
(2.31) and Treatment 1 (1.8), while Treatment 4 had the lowest value (1.19).
The standard deviation values indicate that Treatment 4 had the most
and 3 had higher variability (0.13). These findings suggest that while
Table 3.2
ANOVA
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Total 11.71 27
Based on the results of the One-way ANOVA for tensile strength shown
in Table 2.3, the treatments show a significant difference at p < 0.05. The F-
approximately 0.01. Since the p-value is lower than 0.05, this indicates a
computed F-value is much higher than the critical F-value of 3.01, further
CHAPTER IV
gathered from the study along with few further actions recommended for
future researchers.
Conclusion
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Camanse Husk (Artocarpus camansi) as
a thermal insulator, specifically in terms of thermal insulation efficiency, water absorption, and
tensile strength across three different treatments. The findings of this research provide valuable
With the given results of the study, the following conclusions were made regarding the
insulation, the results indicate that there is a significant difference among the treatments at
p<0.05, F (3, 24) = 72.11, p = 0.00001. Treatment 1, composed of 30g of camanse husk with
10mL of synthetic glue, exhibited the highest insulation efficiency, with a mean of 32.37% and a
standard deviation of 0.39. These results suggest that camanse husk-based insulation can provide
For water absorption, Treatment 3, which contained 50g of camanse husk with 10mL of
synthetic glue, had the highest absorption rate with a mean of 78.05% and a standard deviation of
0.17. The ANOVA test confirmed a significant difference between treatments at p<0.05, F (3,
24) = 97355.75, p = 0.00001. This indicates that increasing the amount of camanse husk leads to
higher water absorption, which could be a limiting factor for practical applications in humid
environments.
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Regarding tensile strength, Treatment 3 again demonstrated the highest efficiency, with a
mean of 2.91 MPa and a standard deviation of 0.13. The ANOVA results also revealed a
significant difference at p<0.05, F (3, 24) = 279.61, p = 0.01, confirming that the amount of
aluminum foil, camanse husk-based insulation exhibits competitive thermal insulation properties
but has higher water absorption. However, its tensile strength surpasses that of the control,
Based on these findings, the researchers reject the null hypothesis and conclude that there
is a significant difference in the thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and water absorption rates
among the different treatments of camanse husk and commercial insulation materials.
Recommendations
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Based on the conclusions drawn from the study, the following recommendations are
made:
reduce the water absorption of camanse husk-based insulation while maintaining its
thermal efficiency.
resistance.
3. Conduct long-term performance tests to assess the degradation rate of camanse husk
temperature levels.
4. Use more precise measuring instruments, such as advanced thermal conductivity meters,
instead of relying solely on the guarded hot plate apparatus, to enhance data accuracy and
reliability.
References
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Alyami, M. "The Impact of the Composition and Location of Thermal Insulation in the Building
Arab Journal of Science and Engineering, vol. 49, 2024, pp. 5305–5351. Springer,
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"Circular Economy: A New Model for Sustainable Development." World Economic Forum, 2023,
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development/
[Link]/energy-conserving-design-for-buildings/
Gamay, R.A.J., Botecario, P.N., Sanchez, P.D.C, et al. "Durian (Durio zibenthinus) Waste: A Promising
Resource for Food and Diverse Applications—A Comprehensive Review." Food Production,
Mohammed, M., Wickham, L.D. “Breadnut (Artocarpus camansi Blanco)”. Postharvest Biology and
[Link]
Mort, Rebecca, et al. "Biobased Foams for Thermal Insulation: Material Selection, Processing,
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Saji., et al. "Characterization of a Novel Biodegradable Composite Made from Jute Fiber and Modified
Starch." Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, vol. 13, no. 3, 2023, pp. 1887-1897.
[Link]
Smith, J. A., et al. "The Impact of Cellulose and Lignin Content on the Thermal Insulation Properties of
Agricultural By-products." Journal of Biobased Materials, vol. 7, no. 1, 2022, pp. 53-62.
Vėjelis, Sigitas et al. “Performance Evaluation of Thermal Insulation Materials from Sheep's Wool and
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doi:10.3390/ma17133339
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APPENDICES
This appendix provides a detailed list of materials and equipment used in the study's
TOTAL 4,550
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Appendix B
Initial sketch of the product
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Appendix C
Appendix D
Construction of Panels
Appendix
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Appendix E
Preparation of Mixture
Appendix F
Preparation of Mixture
Appendix G
Thermal Insulation
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Appendix H
Water Absorption
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Appendix I
Tensile Strength
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This appendix presents the initial results obtained from various testing procedures,
including the measurements of thermal insulation, water absorption, and creep resistance for
different treatments. The data provided below offers detailed information on the experimental
results.
Table J1
Setups T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7
Table J1 presents the raw data on the thermal insulation performance of the different
treatments across seven trials. The recorded values indicate the thermal resistance of each
treatment, with Setup 1 showing the highest thermal insulation values, followed by Setup 2,
Setup 3, and Setup 4. The slight variations in results across trials may be attributed to differences
Table J2
Setups T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7
Table J2 displays the water absorption rates of the different treatments in seven trials.
The percentage values represent the amount of water absorbed by each setup, with Setup 3
consistently exhibiting the highest absorption rate, followed by Setup 2, Setup 1, and Setup 4.
The results suggest that the varying compositions of Camanse Husk influence the material's
Table J3
Setups T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7
Table J3 illustrates the tensile strength of the different treatments over seven trials. The
This appendix provides the data collection process used in this study. The illustrations