Thermal conductivity of coconut fibre filled ferrocement sandwich panels

This study evaluates the potential use of coconut fibre as thermal isolating filler for ferrocement panel walls in sandwich configuration of schools and houses’ roofing in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Thermal conductivity measurements were performed to compare the thermal behaviour of ferrocement panel walls filled with coconut fibre to other typical building materials of the region. Measured thermal conductivities for red clay brick, hollow concrete block and lightweight concrete brick panel walls are 0.93, 0.683 and 0.536 W/m K respectively. Thermal conductivity of the proposed configuration is 0.221 W/m K and that is lower than typical materials used for home-buildings in this region.

► The potential use of coconut fibre as thermal isolating filler for ferrocement panel walls. ► Ferrocement sandwich panels filled with coconut fibre exhibit lower thermal conductivity than the extreme cases tested. ► Ferrocement sandwich panels filled with coconut fibre present lower thermal conductivity than traditional materials. ► Coconut fibre loading content has some influence on thermal conductivity.