TESTING THE THERMAL INSULATION PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBERS AND PAPER MULBERRY

Abstract

This research aimed to study the appropriate ratio of heat insulation from insulation sheets and to study the heat resistance of pineapple leaf fiber composite and jute fiber with natural latex by comparing with JIS 5905 and JIS 5908 standards. The experiment started by preparing pineapple leaf fiber and jute fiber to the appropriate size and mixing with natural latex in the ratios of 30:0:70, 30:30:40, 30:35:35, 30:40:30, and 30:70:00 and forming into insulation sheets. Then, the physical properties were tested using an experimental box with the size of 20 × 20 × 25 cm3, which was a simulation of a laboratory with an insulation sheet made from fibers installed in the middle. The top of the insulation sheet was placed with a heater in the middle for heating. The bottom of the insulation sheet was installed with a thermocouple attached to the insulation sheet in the middle of the sheet. The experimental results showed that the insulation sheet had a density value between 0.10 and 0.16 g/cm³ and a moisture content between 7.79 and 18.77%. The most suitable ratio was 30:30:40 because it provided the appropriate density and fiber adhesion. The thermal conductivity of the insulation sheet is in the range of 0.076-0.134 W/m∙°C, and the thermal resistance is in the range of 0.138-0.155 m²·°C/W, which is in the appropriate range for use as heat insulation. When compared with commercial heat insulation sheets, considering the size of 60 × 60 cm2, it was found that the heat insulation sheet made from pineapple leaf fiber and jute fiber has a production cost of 60.36 baht per sheet, which is 20.32% cheaper than fiberglass insulation and 32.18% cheaper than polystyrene (PS Foam) insulation.