Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Code
N/A
School Name
Lagro High School
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Tamayo, Ma. Kristine E.
Abstract/Executive Summary
The Philippines is facing challenges due to the worsening climate change, which is presenting significant challenges for food delivery companies in terms of temperature control, spoilage, and delivery delays. To address these issues, researchers have explored the use of human hair waste as a thermal insulation material to improve food insulation. Two setups, with densities of 1.19268 g/cm3 and 2.38537 g/cm3, were created for viability assessments, with a food-grade aluminum thermal insulation pouch serving as the control group. The Hair-Infused Thermal Insulator underwent tests, including thermal conductivity, water absorption, and tensile strength. The results showed a significant difference in temperature penetration time among the three samples, with human hair-infused thermal insulators minimizing heat loss better than commercial insulators. The water absorption test showed higher water absorption in human hair-infused insulators, suggesting better performance for commercial insulators. The tensile strength test showed a significant difference in maximum force, with Setup C being the most effective. These findings suggest that human hair-infused insulators offer a sustainable alternative for food temperature control, demonstrating promising thermal insulation and tensile strength performance.
Keywords
human hair waste; thermal insulation, additive, enhancement
Start Date
11-6-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
11-6-2024 3:00 PM
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Materials Engineering (MEN)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Human Hair Additive as Thermal-Insulation Enhancement in Food Containers
The Philippines is facing challenges due to the worsening climate change, which is presenting significant challenges for food delivery companies in terms of temperature control, spoilage, and delivery delays. To address these issues, researchers have explored the use of human hair waste as a thermal insulation material to improve food insulation. Two setups, with densities of 1.19268 g/cm3 and 2.38537 g/cm3, were created for viability assessments, with a food-grade aluminum thermal insulation pouch serving as the control group. The Hair-Infused Thermal Insulator underwent tests, including thermal conductivity, water absorption, and tensile strength. The results showed a significant difference in temperature penetration time among the three samples, with human hair-infused thermal insulators minimizing heat loss better than commercial insulators. The water absorption test showed higher water absorption in human hair-infused insulators, suggesting better performance for commercial insulators. The tensile strength test showed a significant difference in maximum force, with Setup C being the most effective. These findings suggest that human hair-infused insulators offer a sustainable alternative for food temperature control, demonstrating promising thermal insulation and tensile strength performance.
