Thermal Properties for Thermal Insulation from Earth Ginger (Etlingera littoralis Gieseke)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study the thermal properties of insulation boards prepared
from earth ginger fibers, using rubber latex 50% by mass as a binder. Hot pressing was employed to
produce single layered plain thermal insulation boards with the size 360.0 x 360.0 x 14.90 mm. The tested
results according to the Standard Test Method for Steady–State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal
Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus ( ASTM C 177) revealed that an
insulation board with the density of 286.70- 416.50 kg/m3
had the thermal conductivity values ranging of
0.0737-0.0757 W/m.K, which more than insulation broad made from narrow-leaved cattail fibers and
approximately equal to auto caved aerated concrete with the same density range. According to the
tested results, it can be concluded that an insulation board made from earth ginger fibers were excellent
insulation. Insulation made from natural materials not only save energy but also reduce global warming
effect.