Assessment of Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Composite Board Produced from Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husks, Waste Newspapers, and Cassava Starch

摘要

Bulk density (rho), specific heat capacity (c), thermal conductivity (k), thermal resistivity (r), thermal diffusivity (alpha), water absorption (WA), flexural strength (sigma), and compressive strength (CS) were determined for composite boards produced using cassava starch with the graduated percentage of waste newspaper paste and treated coconut husk as well as waste newspaper paste and untreated coconut husk. The results show that rho, k, alpha, WA, sigma, and CS are higher in value for samples containing waste newspaper paste and treated coconut husk than for those made with waste newspaper paste and untreated coconut husk. Also, c and r of samples containing waste newspaper paste and untreated coconut husk are observed to be higher in value than in the case with samples developed with treated coconut content. The values of the physical parameters determined are within the range specified for good thermal insulators suitable for interior building design.