Evaluation on the Thermal Conductivity of Sand-Cement Blocks with Kenaf Fiber

摘要

Mechanical means of ventilation and air-conditioning system in Malaysian buildings are used continuously to provide and maintain the comfort of indoor environment to the occupants of the buildings. It was found that the system used led to higher rate of energy consumption. Hence, development of masonry units with high thermal insulation properties is a necessity. This paper represented the study on the thermal conductivity and the density of sand-cement blocks incorporated with different proportions of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fiber as additive. The amount of kenaf fiber inclusions were the main focus to observe the achievement of best results for both properties. It was found that kenaf fiber content had an advantage to reduce the self-weight of blocks whilst reducing the thermal conductivity property. Hence, it can be seen that there is a potential in developing masonry units for single wall components in Malaysian buildings with lightweight features and thermal insulator properties.