NETE Physical, chemical and mechanical characterization of a prototype insulating material based on eucalyptus bark fiber

Abstract

In recent years it has become evident that homes
have low levels of thermal insulation, which in southern Chile,
translates into excessive combustion of biomass by the residential
sector to condition housing, generating high levels of air
pollution which is harmful to society. It is for this reason that the
development of sustainable materials, from natural and local raw
material enhances its attractiveness. The present project
evaluated the possibility of developing a material from natural
fibers from forest waste, which can be found in abundance in the
IX region of Araucania. Several physical, chemical and
mechanical characterization tests were applied, as well as an
optimization model for the elaboration of optimal prototypes,
where a decrease in the thermal conductivity of the material
could be generated, which finally reached 0.040 (W/mK), which
is comparable with the properties of an Expanded Polystyrene
type IX. Finally, the optimal conditions for the processing of a
prototype are identified, which was analyzed morphologically
using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermally, by
thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).