Pulverised Dried Banana Fiber Mixed With White Elastomeric Paint As A Thermal Insulator On An External Wall
Pulverised Dried Banana Fiber Mixed With White Elastomeric Paint As A Thermal Insulator On An External Wall
Pulverised Dried Banana Fiber Mixed With White Elastomeric Paint As A Thermal Insulator On An External Wall
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Keywords:- Thermal Insulator, Banana Fiber, Improvised Insulator Paint, Banana Fiber Insulator, Pulverised Banana Fiber.
The banana is a tropical plant and one of the earth's most widely cultivated and consumed fruits. The banana tree's trunk is
composed of a leaf-like, fibrous substance. Long fibers account for around 1.5% of the plant's total mass on the banana tree. The
leaves and trunk are thrown following the removal of the bananas. In the commercial production of bananas, the enormous
number of trees imposes additional disposal costs on the farmer. Only a few trees may be used as organic fertilizer in the
plantations (Manohar K, 2016).
The majority of the world's bananas are farmed in tropical regions. Almost 60% of banana biomass is wasted after harvest.
Approximately 114.08 million metric tons of banana waste are produced globally, which causes environmental issues such as the
excessive release of greenhouse gases. These wastes have a high concentration of materials with crucial industrial value, like
cellulose, hemicellulose, and natural fibers (Acevedo et al., 2021).
Banana is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. However, it not only provides a high yield of edible carbohydrates
with high nutrition but also produces large amounts of pseudostem and rachis residues rich in lignocellulose (Li et al., 2021).
Plant fiber lignocellulose possesses the structure and qualities required for usage as a composite textile material and in pulp
and paper production. Additionally, plant-based fiber waste produces fuel, chemicals, enzymes, and animal food. Approximately 2
× 1011 tons of plant-based lignocellulose are generated annually, whereas 1.5 x 108 tons of polymer fiber are created (Manohar
K, 2016). This material source is annually renewable, abundantly available, now of low value, and can serve as a cheap source of
raw materials for downstream companies. According to Karimah et al. (2021), coconut fiber, sugarcane fiber, cotton, wheat straw,
date palm leaves, oil palm fiber, and other lignocellulose fibers offer potential alternatives for use as biodegradable, renewable,
eco-friendly building insulation. Developing biodegradable thermal insulation with equivalent performance to non-biodegradable
insulation will ameliorate the current environmental problems.
Research into the thermal insulating properties of plant-based lignocellulose materials, such as coconut fiber, sugarcane
fiber, and oil palm fiber, has indicated their potential for use in building thermal insulation. At ideal density, the thermal
conductivity of these materials fell within the range for use as thermal insulation in buildings. Banana fiber is a viable option for
thermal insulation due to its length.
Elastomeric paints are water-based and formulated from acrylic resin. This acrylic system is breathable, can transmit water
vapor, will provide waterproof protection for several years, and can be clean with water. New resin systems also give elastomeric
coatings excellent color retention and better durability. Elastomeric painting systems are flexible and waterproof, but they can
easily be maintained by pressure washing to remove dirt or other contaminants. (Heck, 2003)
Elastomeric paint is a type of paint that forms a barrier against moisture in our structure. In the late 1950s, elastomeric paints
evolved into one of the leading coatings used for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings. It can be used in an area of a
building continuously being blasted with dampness issues (Parker, 2018).
Mineral Wool, Fiberglass, Polystyrene, Cellulose, and Polyurethane Foam are the five common Thermal Insulation
materials. Cellulose is a very eco-friendly form of insulation. It comprises 75-85% recycled paper fiber, usually post-consumer
waste newsprint. The other 15% is a fire retardant such as boric acid or ammonium sulfate. Because of the compactness of the
material, cellulose contains next to no oxygen within it. Without oxygen within the material, this helps minimize the damage that
a fire can cause. Cellulose is one of the most eco-friendly forms of insulation, and it is also one of the most fire-resistant forms of
insulation.
Cellulose polysaccharide (C6H10O5)n comprises thermal insulation made from recycled paper or wood fiber mass. The
production process gives the insulation material a consistency similar to wool. (Kuba, 2012)
A thermal insulator is a material that stops heat from moving from one place to another. Convection, conduction, and
radiation are the three main ways heat travels. A thermal insulator refers to a material that blocks conduction. When something hot
physically touches something cold, it is called conduction. To keep cold things warming, use a thermal insulator so that heat
cannot move through very quickly. (Tamara, 2017)
Having a low thermal conductivity, the thermal insulator is poor for conducting heat. The dairy and food industries used
insulation to prevent heat loss and heat gain. Porous is a material containing a large number of air cells. Dairy and food plants use
insulating materials like glass wool, polystyrene, and polyurethane foam. However, only some other insulation materials can be
used in the dairy and food industries. (Deshmukh, 2017)
Lately, due to the beneficial properties and the fiber's eco-friendliness, the number of technical applications incorporating
natural fibers has increased considerably. Many academics have recently concentrated on environmental contamination and
depletable petroleum supplies. Every day, the use of natural fibers in scientific research advances. On various plastic substrates,
various plant fibers are employed.
A painted elastomeric component successfully withstanding temperatures within the range of at most 32° F and at least 500°
F, has desirable flexibility and reflectivity of heat, and is capable of deformation except damage to the paint. Not solely to it face
up to this temperature, but it is also thicker than other paint in our market. It is enough to hold the pulverized banana fiber.
(Gibbon, R. 1994).
Due to the enormous population of banana plantation in the country, banana is quite helpful in using primary resources in
different inventions or research. Banana fiber is additionally observed anyplace; sometimes, we treat it as waste. Nevertheless, this
trash is valuable, and it may serve as fertilizer and others. However, in this study, it is presented that pulverized dried banana
fibers blended in elastomeric paint can function as thermal insulators in external walls.
Conceptual Framework
Gathering facts and knowledge based on relevant written literature is a component of Phase 1’s Development of Ideas as an
independent variable. The main objective of adhesion testing, covered in this section of ASTM D3359 as an adhesion test for
paint, is to induce a coating failure. The process of doing research in an objective and controlled way is presented by developing
an experimental design, which allows for the maximization of precision and can be drawn regarding a hypothesis statement.
Phase 2 of the sampling method describes how the experiment will be set up. Six steps demonstrate the design of four
hollow block cube set-ups and the viability of set-ups/samples 2, 3 & 4 from set-up/sample 1.
Testing of Samples, which takes place in Phase 3, demonstrates how the researcher can assess the inside temperature of the
cubes over a specific period when exposed to sunlight and distinguish between the four set-ups. In this section, the researcher will
evaluate the performance of each relevant sample for 24 hours after one (1) hour of application and repeat after three (3) weeks to
obtain accurate results.
Results, Analysis, and Evaluation, or Phase 4, deals with how well the four sets performed. The findings of this experiment
are likewise examined for Set up 1 through 2, 3, and 4. This section will also cover the assessment of the output and applying the
optimal set-up in the building industry.
In Phase 5, researchers conduct and discuss the results and recommendations for further study improvements.
The study tests and evaluates pulverized dried banana fibers’ effectiveness as a heat insulator. The biomass materials may
lessen the heat received by buildings and serve as an alternative eco-friendly and economical insulator. Specifically, this study
sought answers to the following questions:
In terms of inside temperature, what impact does the ratio of the amount of banana fiber paint have on thermal resistivity?
0 Grams (Control)
10 Grams
15 Grams
20 Grams
In terms of adhesion, what is the difference between regular elastomeric paint and elastomeric paint with different pulverized
dried banana fibers concentrations?
0 Grams (Control)
10 Grams
15 Grams
20 Grams
In Bibiclat, Aliaga Nueva Ecija, the banana fiber will be collected. The researcher will determine the optimal relationship of
ground banana fiber to white elastomeric paint to create an environmentally friendly thermal insulator for outside walls. The
studies will also ascertain how different elastomeric paint ratios and pulverized banana fiber interact.
Definition of Terms
For clarification, the essential terms used in this study have been defined.
ASTM D3359: ASTM D3359 is a standard test method for measuring adhesion by tape test. This test assesses the adhesion
of film coatings to metallic substrates by applying and removing pressure-sensitive tape over cuts made in the film. This test
method is also known as the Cross Hatch test.
Conduction: the process by which heat or electricity is directly transmitted through a substance when there is a difference in
temperature or electrical potential between adjoining regions without moving the material.
Convection: the movement caused within a fluid by the tendency of hotter and, therefore, less dense material to rise and
colder, denser material to sink under gravity, which results in heat transfer.
Elastomeric Paint: Elastomeric coatings are protective barriers applied on interior and exterior walls as wall paints.
Elastomeric coatings can be water-based coatings and paints or acrylic latex paints. They are applied as a thick coat on concrete
structures.
Heat exchanger: A heat exchanger is a system used to transfer heat between two or more fluids. Heat exchangers are used in
both cooling and heating processes. A solid wall may separate the fluids to prevent mixing, or they may be in direct contact.
Heat Path: Heat is a path function because when heat transfer occurs, there is some change in temperature in the system and
the surroundings. Thus, there must be some work done by or work done on the system, and work done is defined by the path
followed.
Insulation: Building insulation is any object in a building used as insulation for thermal management. While most insulation
in buildings is for thermal purposes, the term applies to acoustic, fire, and impact insulation.
Thermal efficiency: In thermodynamics, thermal efficiency is a dimensionless performance measure of a device that uses
thermal energy, such as an internal combustion engine, steam turbine, steam engine, boiler, furnace, refrigerator, and Acs.
After applying elastomeric paint containing powdered banana fiber to the cubes, the researchers observed the four set-ups.
First, Sample 2, which is 500 ml of Elastomeric paint combined with 10 g of powdered banana fiber, then Sample 3, which is 500
ml of Elastomeric paint mixed with 15 g of pulverized banana fiber, then Sample 4, which is 500 ml of Elastomeric paint mixed
with 20 g of pulverized banana fiber, and finally Sample 1, which is 500 ml of elastomeric paint by itself. After one (1) hour
application of paint, the temperature inside the cubes is measured with a digital bluetooth enabled thermometer with a hygrometer
within twenty-four (24) hours; this will serve as preliminary results. After three (3) weeks, the monitoring of the inside
temperature of cubes is repeated for four (4) days. The information provided on the configurations assisted the researchers in
concluding.
Methods
The following steps are the procedure to perform various tests for banana fiber-induced paint as a thermal insulator. The
researchers came up with four (4) samples as set-ups; 0 grams of pulverized banana fiber for sample 1 as the control with 500 ml
elastomeric white paint, 10 grams of pulverized banana fiber for sample 2 with 500 ml elastomeric white paint, 15 grams of
pulverized banana fiber for sample 3 with 500 ml elastomeric white paint, and the other hand, 20 grams of pulverized banana fiber
with 500 ml elastomeric white paint were prepared for sample 4.
Banana pre-treatment
The fresh and green banana waste samples were subjected to a preliminary treatment to produce suitable and effective raw
material for producing long-lasting insulating material—this material’s preparation comprised soaking, washing, drying, grinding,
and sieving.
Soaking
In order to eliminate dust particle contaminants, the obtained samples were washed in double-distilled water. The washed
banana fiber was then trimmed into short pieces using a pair of laboratory scissors so that the soaking solution could effectively
permeate the fiber. At room temperature, 20 grams of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) were dissolved in 1000 milliliters of distilled
water to create a solution containing 2% Sodium Hydroxide NaOH. Banana waste was immersed for 24 hours at room
temperature in a prepared NaOH solution to remove lignin and prevent fungal or bacterial growth.
Washing
After the banana waste had been soaked, it was thoroughly rinsed with double the amount of distilled water for six (6) hours
by dipping it into a 1,000 ml beaker, which helped to reduce the material’s concentration of lignin and NaOH.
Drying
The cleaned banana waste was oven dried for five (5) hours at 100 degrees Celsius to remove the moisture; ninety-six
percent (96%) of moisture was removed after the drying process. After drying the samples, the final weight of the banana trash
was calculated using an analytical balance.
Step 1: Prepare four (4) concrete hollow blocks with concrete fill, which will serve as the walls of the cube, and three (3)
concrete hollow blocks laid horizontally at the top, which will serve as the roof of the cube. The hollow block cubes have a
dimension of 60.32 cm x 40 cm x 30.16 cm.
Step 2: Apply a masonry potter on the outer side surfaces of the hollow blocks and let it dry for 1 hour.
Step 3: For sample 1, prepare 500 ml of white elastomeric paint. For sample 2, mix 500 ml of white paint and 10 g of
pulverized banana fiber; for sample 3, mix 500 ml of white paint and 15 g of pulverized banana fiber. For sample 4, mix 500
ml of white elastomeric paint with 20 g of pulverized banana fiber.
Step 4: Gradually apply three layers of paint coatings for each sample with a 0.6-0.8 centimeters thickness.
Step 5: After an hour of exposure to sunlight, place the digital thermometer inside the center of the four cubes.
Step 6: Using the application of the digital thermometer, the temperature inside is recorded every hour for 24 hours. The data
for four set-ups are recorded and tallied.
Step 6: After three (3) weeks of application, the temperature inside is re-recorded every hour for 24 hours for four days.
Step 1: Select an area free of blemishes and minor surface imperfections. Ensure that the surface of the concrete hollow
blocks is clean and dry. Do the test after one (1) week of paint application.
Step 2: Make two incisions or cross-cuts on the surface of hollow blocks with pulverized banana fiber paint about 40 mm
(1.5 inches) long and make it intersect with an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. Use straight edges like a ruler when making
incisions.
Step 3: Inspect the incisions for the reflection of light from the sunlight to determine if the coating is penetrated. If the
incision does not penetrate the coating, make another X-incision on the other surface.
Step 4: Grab a Tape; use pressure-sensitive tape. Remove two complete laps of the pressure-sensitive tape from the roll and
discard. Remove an additional length at a steady, cut a piece about 75 mm or (3 inches), and label it.
Step 5: Place the center of the tape at the intersection of the cross incision. Smooth the tape into place with a finger in the area
of the incisions and then rub firmly with the eraser.
Step 6: Within thirty (30) seconds of application, remove the tape by seizing the free end and pulling it off rapidly, back upon
itself at as close to an angle of 180 degrees as possible.
Step 7: Inspect the X-incision area for removal of coating from the substrate or previous coating and rate the adhesion
following the following scale:
Research Instrument
The researchers conducted research on the subject and rapidly located literature and articles related to their research. The
researchers also perused books and journals, which uncovered helpful information.
The researchers also used a thermal resistivity test to assess if elastomeric paint mixed with pulverized banana fiber could
provide an alternative eco-friendly thermal insulator and if the most significant amount ratio of pulverized banana fiber mixed
with white elastomeric paint could produce the best thermal resistance.
Data Gathering
Gathering of all materials needed for the experimental procedure, such as Banana Fiber, White Elastomeric Paint, Hollow
Blocks, and a Digital Thermometer. After gathering all materials, four cubes will be designed for the researchers for the
experiment activity. The preparation of four set-ups of mixtures Samples 1-4 set-ups will be implemented. Assessing the results,
conducting the best set-up application of the experiment, and discussing the research results, including further recommendations,
will be further discussed in the study.
The source of banana fiber is the banana stem (banana tree skin); waste is abundant in many parts of the world. Therefore,
banana fiber-reinforced paint from the banana stem (banana skin) with high strength and good thermal resistivity properties can be
used in many applications. Some farmers use this material for textile applications, while some researchers use this waste in
making ropes, mats, woven fabrics, and handmade papers. However, in terms of the construction of houses, paint induced by
banana fiber can help pulverize it and mix it with paint; it can be used to reduce the temperature.
The objective was analyzed by measuring the temperature with and without applying pulverized banana fiber-induced paint
on external walls. The lower the temperature inside, yields better the result for the study using a digital thermometer. The
researchers used comparative analysis by juxtaposing the samples' temperatures.
Sample 1 is 500 ml of White Elastomeric Paint with no pulverized banana fiber mixed. Sample 2 is a mixture of White
Elastomeric Paint with 10 g of pulverized banana fiber. Sample 3 is a mixture of White Elastomeric Paint with 15 g of pulverized
banana fiber. Sample 4 is a mixture of White Elastomeric Paint with 20 g of pulverized banana fiber.
During the test, the outside temperature in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija was 36.4 °C. The test was held from 2 p.m. Sunday
(April 2, 2023) until 1 p.m. Monday (April 3, 2023). According to the data above, the lowest temperature recorded was 29.1°C at
8:00, and 9:00 AM on Monday, and the highest was 35.3°C at 5:00 and 6:00 PM on Sunday.
Throughout the twenty-four hours of monitoring samples, at 5:00 and 6:00 PM on Sunday, Sample 1 yields the highest
temperature for twenty-four (24) hours, while Sample 4, with 20 grams of pulverized dried banana fiber, yields the lowest
temperature of 34.5°C.
The highest temperature recorded was at 2:00-4:00 PM under Sample 1 at 31.8°C; however, at this hottest time, Sample 4
with 20 grams of pulverized dried banana fiber yields the lowest temperatures of 31°C, 31.2°C and 31.3°C.
Following the application of paint for three (3) weeks, for the second day of the experiment, the inside temperature of the
cubes is measured and totaled; the results showed that the temperature ranges from 28.6°C to 31.5°C in the 24-hour graph.
Sample 4, which contains 20 grams of pulverized dried banana fiber concentrations, had the lowest temperature measured at 3:00
AM that day. Additionally, Sample 4, with 20 grams of finely ground dried banana fiber, produces a temperature of 30.8°C during
the hottest part of the day, while Sample 1 recorded the maximum temperature at 2:00 PM at 31.5°C.
Fig 6 shows the measured temperature inside the cubes on the third day of the experiment. Results showed that the
temperature ranged from 28.6°C to 31.6°C on the 24-hour graph. Sample 4, which contained 20 grams of pulverized dried banana
fiber, had the lowest temperature measured at 3:00 AM that day. Furthermore, Sample 4 produced temperatures of 31°C at 5:00
PM and 30.9°C at 6:00 PM, during the hottest part of the day, while Sample 1 had the highest temperature recorded at 5:00-6:00
PM, which is 31.6°C.
Fig 7 shows the Day 4 temperature inside the cubes after applying the paint for three weeks. The recorded data showed the
temperature ranged from 28.4°C to 31.7°C on the 24-hour graph. Sample 4, which contained 20 grams of pulverized dried banana
fiber, recorded the lowest temperature at 8:00-9:00 AM that day. Sample 1 had the highest temperature recorded at 4:00 PM of
31.7°C. However, during this hottest part of the day, Sample 4, with 20 grams of pulverized dried banana fiber, had the lowest
temperature at 31.2°C.
Adhesion Test
Adhesion is rated based on the scale provided in the ASTM standard. The scale ranges from 0 “Removal beyond the area of
the incisions” to 5A “No peeling or removal. Under Test Method A, an X-cut is made through the film to the substrate, and
pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the cut and then removed. Test Method A primarily intends to be used in the field (Corbet,
2020). This test method is also known as the Cross Hatch test. (Micom, 2021)
5A No peeling or removal
2A Jagged removal along most of the incisions up to 3.2 mm (⅛ inch) on either side
The adhesion test is carried out on the samples one week after the application of the banana fiber-induced paint. As a result,
all samples have no peeling or removal with a rating of 5A.
The experiment used hollow blocks with a concrete fill plastered with a masonry potty coat to smooth the surface and
improve its appearance before applying the banana fiber-induced paint.
In terms of inside temperature, what impact does the ratio of the amount of banana fiber paint have on thermal resistivity?.
0 Grams (Control)
10 Grams
15 Grams
20 Grams
According to the study, the banana fiber paint ratio considerably affects thermal resistance. It influences the temperature of
four samples, even though the temperature decrease is not linear with the concentrations of pulverized banana fiber. When
pulverized banana fiber is added to the paint, the temperature drops. The results from the study were also supported by the study
of Assis et al. (2015), which indicates that banana fiber is a promising environmentally friendly insulator and could replace
conventional synthetic materials. Indeed, things like car parts are already being fabricated with banana fiber-reinforced polymer
composites since it yields a low thermal conductivity.
In a comparison of Banana Fiber Thermal Insulation with Conventional Building Thermal Insulation which is a study by
Krishpersad Manohar and Anthony Ademola Adeyanju (2016), banana fiber also exhibited the characteristic behavior associated
with fibrous thermal insulation of decreasing thermal conductivity with increasing density to a minimum value and then
increasing in thermal conductivity with further increase in density which supports the results of the study that the temperature
decrease is not linear and there is a certain amount and concentration of banana fiber that should be incorporated with other
mixtures. In addition, the banana fiber showed the lowest thermal conductivity value of 0.04415 W/m.K. The thermal conductivity
of banana fiber is within the range of building thermal insulation.
In terms of adhesion, what is the difference between regular elastomeric paint and elastomeric paint with different pulverized
dried banana fibers concentrations?
0 Grams (Control)
10 Grams
15 Grams
20 Grams
Four samples underwent the experiment: Sample 1, which is elastomeric white paint only; Sample 2, which has 10 grams of
pulverized banana fiber mixed with elastomeric white paint, Sample 3, which has 15 grams of pulverized banana fiber and lastly,
Sample 4 which has 20 grams of pulverized banana fiber concentrations.
Among the four samples tested under ASTM D 3359 Method A, Adhesive Test for Paintings, any amount of pulverized
banana fiber mixed with elastomeric paint has no significant effect on adhesion. All of the samples received 5A ratings and
evaluations.
It was supported by the study of Moon et al. (2012) that when elastomeric polyester paint undergoes an ASTM D 3359-09 or
Adhesion Test, all samples with different concentrations have a rating of 5B, wherein no flaking is observed.
Conclusion
The following conclusions were derived based on the summary of findings:
The four samples were monitored for twenty-four (24) hours, presented by the researchers, and monitored again after three
(3) weeks of application for four days. It was concluded that Sample 1 (paint only) had the highest temperature of all the
samples every hour for 24 hours after one hour of application and still had the highest temperature for four consecutive days
after three (3) weeks post-application of paint. On the other hand, it was concluded that Sample 4, with 20 grams of
pulverized banana fiber concentrations, yields the lowest temperatures and has the most significant effect during the hottest
time of the day for four days. In addition, according to the observations, it was clearly shown that the pulverized banana fiber
has an effect in lowering the temperatures of the samples; even though the temperature results of the samples are not linear, it
was clearly shown that the pulverized banana fiber is adequately a thermal-resistant additive. Moreover, according to the
study’s results, it was concluded that samples with pulverized banana fiber concentrations, in particular, Sample 4, have better
thermal resistivity after three weeks post-application than after 1 hour of application.
Recommendations
This study revealed the Thermal Resistivity of Pulverized Dried Banana Fiber on an External Wall. Thus, the following
recommendations are hereby presented:
Paint Centers should investigate the most effective method to grind banana fiber to smooth the wall surface while preserving
the fiber's heat resistance.
Future researchers interested in creating paint with thermal insulation could investigate and evaluate other popular thermal
insulation materials, such as Mineral Wool, Fibreglass, Polystyrene, and Polyurethane, if appropriate and environmentally
safe.
Paint and coating companies should examine whether different paint colors were utilized to create banana fiber paint and
whether those colors affect the fiber's ability to withstand heat.
Future researchers should conduct the same research with a higher concentration of dried banana fiber to examine and see
whether the paint with a higher concentration will produce the optimum outcome and if higher concentrations of pulverized
banana fiber will significantly affect the adhesion test of the paint.
Future researchers should examine the chemical, mechanical, and physical properties of the paint to determine why a specific
concentration of paint and banana fiber behave that way and the relationship of concentrations of the samples to their
properties.
Future researchers who will conduct the same study should create a more homogenous cube made of cement to ensure data
accuracy.
The ability of samples of elastomeric paint to withstand water should be evaluated by subsequent researchers who will carry
out the same study.
Materials