Evaluating the Thermal Insulation Properties of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Roof Insulation from Musa textilis Fiber Waste and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic Waste

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Gabriel Luis G. Gargollo, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Joaquin Gabriel Ahillion Rodriguez, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Axl Nazarene Ramos Caguioa, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Norberto Miguel Oliveros Doblada IV, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Diandre Miel Astilla Macasaet, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Materials Engineering (MEN)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Cruz, Fatima Joy, C.

Start Date

23-6-2026 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Brother Andrew Gonzalez Multipurpose Hall, 20th floor

Abstract/Executive Summary

Conventional insulation utilizing cellulose and plastic foams has faced multiple cost and accessibility challenges and sustainability concerns, outlining a need for alternative materials. A developing alternative is composite insulation, which utilizes a matrix and a reinforcement, compression-molded to form insulation mats sandwiched between roofs and walls. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal insulation properties of a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) as a sustainable alternative to conventional roof insulation. This study focused on WPC insulation mats formulated from Musa textilis fiber waste as reinforcement and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste from plastic caps and detergent bottles as matrix. These WPC mats were compared to a cellulose insulation benchmark and other WPCs using Fourier’s Law of Heat Conduction. A matrix-to-reinforcement ratio of at least 50:50 was found necessary for the mats to have sufficient material cohesion, and any matrix proportion lower would not be able to support mat formation. The thermal insulation tests found that the 2-mm mats performed better than the 4-mm and 9-mm variations, yet still could not be determined as more insulating than cellulose. Through ANOVA, it can be said that the 9-mm mats’ thermal insulation properties were not statistically significant compared to the 2-mm and 4-mm mats (p > 0.05), given the large experimental variances in the mats’ results per trial. Overall, the WPC mats produced in the study still rendered thermal insulation results comparable to other WPCs or wood-reinforced insulation materials.

Keywords

HDPE; Musa textilis; insulation; WPC; sustainability

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes