Development and Characterization of Thermal Insulation Panels Based on Rice Husks and Kapok Fibers Stabilized with Plaster

This study is part of the recovery of agricultural residues and plant fibers in the thermal insulation of buildings. Set plaster is commonly used in construction as a thermal insulation for roofs or walls (in the form of panels or coating). The study analyzed the influence of the incorporation of rice husk and kapok wool on the thermal and mechanical properties of the set plaster. It consisted initially in finding the right mass ratios plaster/rice husk, plaster/kapok wool and water/plaster which combine good thermal performance and good mechanical resistance. Then, these ratios were used to develop two biosourced eco-materials in the form of thermal insulation panels made from rice husk and kapok wool using plaster as a binder. These panels were tested in the thermal insulation of the roof and walls of a model classroom. Thermal properties were measured with a thermal property analyzer. The results obtained show that the formulated eco-materials offer good thermomechanical cleanliness and improve the thermal comfort of the building. Their thermal conductivity varies from 0.109 to 0.214 W.m^-1.K^-1 depending on the formulation. The study also showed that with these panels, for an insulation thickness of 2 cm, the interior temperature of the room can be reduced by 5°C ± 2°C on average. The eco-materials thus developed can be used as roof or wall insulation in order to reduce heat flows through the building’s envelope.