Valorization of plant waste for sustainable and ecological insulation in construction: Characterization of thermal and acoustic properties

This study explores the utilization of plant fibers from date palms and indigenous plants in the Drâa Tafilalet region as reinforcements in composite materials for thermal and acoustic insulation in buildings. The primary aim is to assess the fibers' capacity to enhance composite materials' insulation performance. Advanced techniques including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are employed to thoroughly characterize the fibers in terms of morphology, structure, chemistry, thermal properties, and acoustic attributes. Results reveal significant porosity in the fibers, positively impacting their thermal properties, along with variations in crystallinity indexes among different fiber types. Notably, alfa plant fibers exhibit the highest index at 51.76 %. Chemical composition analyses underscore distinctions in oxygen-to-carbon ratios, highlighting each fiber's unique attributes. Thermal properties are evaluated within the required density range for effective insulation, with thermal conductivities ranging from 0.065 to 0.091 W/m.K. Acoustic assessments underscore certain fibers' effectiveness, such as petiole and alfa fibers, in sound absorption, indicating potential applications in acoustic insulation. The broader significance lies in the eco-friendly and cost-effective potential of these plant fibers, offering a sustainable alternative for high-performance composite materials in the construction industry. The findings contribute valuable insights for advancing sustainable solutions in building insulation applications, promoting eco-friendly practices, and supporting ongoing efforts in green construction. In summary, this research defines the investigation's purpose, methodology, and significance, presenting compelling results that position plant fibers from the Drâa Tafilalet region as promising materials for enhancing composite materials in thermal and acoustic insulation applications within the construction sector.