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Thermal Analysis of POP Ceiling Boards Produced with Palm Petiole Fibres

O. W. Obot and N. B. Ekwere

Abstract

The high demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials has encouraged the incorporation of natural fibres into construction products. This study presents the thermal analysis of a plaster of Paris ceiling board reinforced with palm petiole fibres. Palm petiole fibres, an abundant agricultural waste, were extracted using water retting process, treated with sodium hydroxide, and incorporated into the POP matrix at varying fibre contents to evaluate their influence on thermal performance. The fabricated ceiling boards were subjected to thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity,and specific heat capacity tests using standard experimental procedures. The best sample produced is 0.55% higher than the standard value range of POP thermal conductivity, 0.54% lower than the standard value range of POP thermal resistivity, and 17.8% lower than the standard value range of POP specific heat capacity. The results indicate that the inclusion of palm petiole fibres significantly reduces the thermal conductivity of the POP ceiling board compared to conventional POP boards, thereby improving its thermal insulation capability. This reduction is attributed to the low thermal conductivity and porous structure of the natural fibres, which hinder heat flow within the composite material. The study demonstrates that palm petiole fibre–reinforced POP ceiling boards have strong potential as a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and thermally efficient alternative for ceiling applications in residential and commercial buildings.

Keywords

Plaster of Paris ; Palm petiole fibres; Natural fibre composites; Thermal propertie; Sustainable building material.

References

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