Fique as a Sustainable Material and Thermal Insulation for Buildings: Study of Its Decomposition and Thermal Conductivity

Abstract

Buildings consume a large amount of energy during all stages of their life cycle. One of the most efficient ways to reduce their consumption is to use thermal insulation materials; however, these generally have negative effects on the environment and human health. Bio-insulations are presented as a good alternative solution to this problem, thus motivating the study of the properties of natural or recycled materials that could reduce energy consumption in buildings. Fique is a very important crop in Colombia. In order to contribute to our knowledge of the properties of its fibers as a thermal insulator, the measurement of its thermal conductivity is reported herein, employing equipment designed according to the ASTM C 177 standard and a kinetic study of its thermal decomposition from thermogravimetric data through the Coats–Redfern model-fitting method.

Exploring the Potential of Fique Fiber as a Natural Composite Material: A Comprehensive Characterization Study

“…The use of compatibilizers also improves the interaction between the materials. Mercerization increases the surface roughness of the fiber, which improves mechanical adhesion, whereas acetylation, propionylation, and silanization modify the functional groups of the fiber surface in order to establish higher van der Waals-type interaction with the matrix of the fiber [ 105 , 106 ]…”

“…The use of compatibilizers also improves the interaction between the materials. Mercerization increases the surface roughness of the fiber, which improves mechanical adhesion, whereas acetylation, propionylation, and silanization modify the functional groups of the fiber surface in order to establish higher van der Waals-type interaction with the matrix of the fiber [105,106] All this is due to the plant fibers' cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin contents, which influence their properties. Treatments aimed at eliminating lignin and pectin seek to improve the reinforcing effect of natural fibers, whereas a higher hemicellulose content increases moisture absorption and accelerates the biodegradation process.…”