Thursday, May 3, 2007

FEATI UNIVERSITY-CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT THESIS AND RESEARCH 2007

ABSTRACT


Title : COCO COIR POLYPROPYLENE (CCP): AS A THERMAL
INSULATOR

Researchers : LAURENCE ESTILLORE, MARICAR A. FRANCISCO
MONIEL C. SANTOS

Adviser : Engr. Alex H. Balaan
School : FEATI University
Date : March 2007
Degree : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering


Thermal insulators are essential in terms of making structures conducive for people to live in and a nice place to work on. The main objective of the research is to develop a thermal insulator using recyclable materials namely; the coco coir from the coconut fruit and used polypropylene drinking straws. The researchers were led to the assumption that all materials have a property to conduct heat and a material which has low thermal conductivity is an ideal insulator. Observing the physical properties of the coco coir being a composite material and various applications, It was incorporated, as well as the polypropylene used straws being commonly named as plastics gives an idea to the researchers to make these materials the core components of a product that can be used as a thermal insulator, thus by comparing the innovated products to an insulator that is available in local hardware stores with regards to their physical properties, could came up with a statement that CCP can be a thermal insulator.
The researchers have conducted several property performance tests, to test the effectiveness of the innovated product, such as its ability to insulate heat, its resistance to flame and its ability to absorb moisture. The researchers used the comparative method of the study and experimentation to arrive to a reliable conclusion.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
In the duration of the study, the researchers have observed the following outcomes of the performed property performance test experiments, comparing the performance of the two samples on the improvised heat insulation performance test, the coco coir polypropylene compared to the commercialized brand maintains a cooler temperature inside the cabin wherein the apparatus is subjected direct exposure to sunlight and that the performance of the coco coir polypropylene is with close proximity compared to that of the commercial brand.
The ability of a material to react when subjected to flame is important when factors of safety are to be considered. In the improvised flame test wherein both samples were placed simultaneously to direct flame the researchers have observed that CCP has a slower rate of flame tolerance than of the local brand.
The coco coir polypropylene is then soaked to an ample amount of water where it was left for seven experimental days to note the change of weight. It was observed to have absorption of 2% by weight on a seven day trial period.

CONCLUSION
The coconut coir and polypropylene exhibited thermal resistance value of thermal property which was vital importance. Moreover, CCP showed the innovated product has a slow rate of heat absorption and more economical considering its proponents are recycled materials proves to be a promising item for consumption.

RECOMMENDATION
The study should be given a continuous investigation in the application of the material to the construction industry. In view of the fact that there is no thermal insulation standard in our country at present the researcher is then left to the option of considering the current standards from other countries. There must be a variety of aspects that should be considered in terms of climate and weather conditions which are correlated with the design of an insulator needed for the insulation of a particular structure in a specific location. The researcher further suggested a scrutinized reckoning with regard to the economical impact it could bring to the economy considering the low-cost value of product fabrication at present. Bearing in mind the actual performance of the product to the controlled performance test with the existing thermal insulator revealed that the product has the ability to insulate heat therefore making it an adept thermal insulator.
Finally the researcher also would like to commend the quantification of the actual R-value of the product through accredited instruments, apparatuses and equipments in accordance with the pre-existing specified standards since this is the property of the utmost importance especially when it comes to the commercialization of the innovation. Recommend for more desirable binding agent.

4 comments:

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

hi i'm civil engineering student this is my last sem and we are conducting a thesis for project study i'm interesting about your research i just want to ask if can i have a copy of your research for references thank you

Anonymous said...

hi im civil engineering student and hopefully this is my year and can i have a copy about this research for my references..thank you

wowa said...

Still an engineering student here. can I also have a copy of your thesis please. we will surely use this as a reference for out theis.