Chapter 1

Introduction to the Study

This chapter discussed the Background of the Study,

Statement of the Problem, Hypothesis, Objectives, Purpose of

the Study, Significance of the Study, Scope and Delimitation

of the Study, Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks, and

Definition of Terms.

Background of the Study

With the technologies of the modern world, dependence

on mechanical systems in the built environment became the

norm. Air conditioning technologies for example, have

transformed what is regarded as a ‘normal’ building in many

different parts of the world. Air conditioning in the

tropics, where the outdoor climate is a monotonous

fluctuation around a hot humid theme, plays a critical role

in providing comfortable environments in modern buildings.

The need for comfort brought about an indoor climate

revolution wherein indoor climates are converging: hot

environments are being cooled while cold indoor environments

are being heated (Shove, E. & Chappells, H. (2003). While

there is an implied recognition that the quality of indoor

1
environments should not be improved at the expense of higher

energy consumption this is seldom made explicit.

The potential for energy conservation through stringent

control of indoor temperature underpin the examination of

the applicability of comfort standards particularly in

developing countries in the tropics.

Like most countries in tropical Southeast Asia, air

conditioning for cooling is most certainly pervasive in

modern office buildings in the Philippines. The ANSI/ASHRAE

Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human

Occupancy is used extensively as a reference for comfort

levels (National Building Code of the Philippines, 2000).

The general results of the thermal comfort study carried out

in Manila, Philippines show that the office buildings

operated within a narrow temperature range and had

bandwidths of temperatures that correspond to the lower

spectrum of the comfort criteria prescribed by the

standards. However, occupant perception of the indoor

thermal comfort in response to these conditions is one of

acceptance, more so, of preference (Andamon, M. 2005).

Home comfort is always a must in every way possible.

Maintaining optimal temperatures and indoor air quality

allows you to provide a home environment that will not only

2
provide comfort but is also healthy. This study solely

revolves around sustainable home insulation materials.

A sustainable insulation material, rags, is the main

material to be used in this study. The purpose of this study

is to develop environmentally friendly insulation that

reduces the amount of heat that enters dwellings. And the

objectives are to determine whether the use of rags as a

sustainable insulation material in residential dwellings

reduces indoor temperatures, improves the health and well-

being of the occupants, and reduces waste materials and

environmental factors by using rags as insulation material.

Statement of the Problem

This study conducted an investigation into the

sustainability of rags as a substitute thermal insulation

material. Specifically, this study aimed to respond to the

following queries:

1. Is there a significant difference between the insulated

model house and the uninsulated model house in terms of

average temperature analysis?

3
 2. Is there a significant difference between the typical

insulation material and rag insulation material in terms of

cost?

Hypothesis

Based on the statement of the problem, the following

theories were investigated:

1. There is no significant difference between the

insulated model house and the uninsulated model house

in terms of average temperature analysis.

2. There is no significant difference between the typical

insulation material and rag insulation material in

terms of cost.

Objective

This capstone project’s main objective is to assess the

suitability of rags as insulation material for residential

and commercial structures.

4
Specific Objectives

The Specific objectives of this study are:

1. To determine whether the use of rags as a sustainable

insulation material in residential dwellings reduces indoor

temperatures and improves the health and well-being of the

occupants,

2. To test the rag material as an insulation material in the

miniature model house,

3. To reduce waste materials and environmental factors by

using rags as insulation material.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of the project is to develop

environmentally friendly insulation that reduces the amount

of heat that enters dwellings. The main purpose is to

provide one that offers comfortable, energy-saving comfort

without harming the environment and to have rag-based,

energy-efficient insulation that can be created at home to

benefit the environment and reduce waste in the fashion

sector.

5
Significance of the Study

The result of this study will be beneficial to the

following:

Residential Building Owners. The findings of this study will

help homeowners lower their homes' thermal temperatures.

Additionally, this intends to displace customary insulation

materials because they provide additional benefits,

including flexibility, accessibility, and eco-friendliness.

Commercial Building Owners. Some buildings are affected by

climate change. In essence, it allows some commercial

building owners access to affordable but high-quality

materials since they can lower energy costs, improve

comfort, and encourage sustainability.

Environment. There is a significant potential to reduce the

environmental impact of construction materials made from

recycled materials. These materials have advantages in terms

of greenhouse gas emissions and how they affect climate

change.

Future Researchers. Future research will be aided by this

study's recommendations for improving the efficiency of rags

as thermal insulation material.

6
 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study concentrated on producing and testing rags'

potential as insulation. The only use for rags in this study

was insulation for structures. The experiment was only

carried out in hot weather by the researcher. Because the

researchers chose residential dwellings as the primary

recipients of this project, they will build two miniature

houses to test and assess the projects' effectiveness using

a humidity meter.

Theoretical Framework

According to the study Thermal Insulation: An

Interesting Use for Textile Waste conducted by Masela T.

(2021), Textile waste fibers can be used to produce

different types of building materials, such as lightweight

concrete, reinforcement of cement mortars or fibrous

insulation materials. In this regard, studies to analyze the

theory of heat transfer through textile fabrics have been

developed. Applying of Textile Waste as a thermal insulation

material is adequate because it encourages sustainable,

environmental and economic advantages.

7
 As a result, this study is related to the researchers'

study on the use of rags as a sustainable insulation

material since it examines how rags may be used as a

sustainable insulation material and how it benefits the

environment by reducing waste and pollution.

Conceptual Framework

The figure below shows the Input, Process, and Output

(IPO) chart of thermal insulation material: rags as a

sustainable insulation material:

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Material  Research on
gathering theories and
 Learn more related
about the studies about
materials using rags as
required, insulation
such as material
their  Making thermal
quality and insulation
composition material using
 Engineers or rags Rags as a
professional  Making a sustainable
s who will miniature insulation
assist the model house to material
researchers conduct the
in their study
research  Evaluating the
viability of
project
results by
means of a
humidity meter

8
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the relationship of the

Input, Process, Output

This conceptual model shows how to transform rags into

a sustainable insulation material. Since rags are

inexpensive and simple to make, purchasing materials is the

best way to create high-quality rag insulation and

guarantee the longevity of rags. Rags are also easy to

install and provide effective thermal insulation material.

Definition of Terms

For the purpose of clarity, the important terms used in

this study were defined conceptually and operationally.

Rags- Are clothes usually in poor or ragged condition.

(Merriam-Webster, 2022). In this study, it is referred to as

the "primary material to be used in the manufacture of

thermal insulation product."

Residential- Residential area or building is where people

live. (Cambridge Dictionary, 2022). In this study, the

structure utilized to carry out the temperature experiment

for the insulation material was referred to as

"residential."

9
Sustainable- Made in a way that causes, little or no damage

to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long

time. (Cambridge Dictionary, 2022). In this study, it is

referred to as "preserving the insulation's status as an

environmentally friendly substance."

Thermal Insulation- A material of relatively low heat

conductivity used to shield a volume against loss or

entrance of heat by radiation, convection, or conduction.

(Merriam-Webster, 2022). In this study, it is referred to as

"material used to reduce the amount of heat that enters

dwellings."

Humidity Meter- is a device that is used to measure both the

current air temperature and the relative humidity at a

particular location. The temperature is typically measured

in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius, and the unit might show

the indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, or both. In

this study, it is referred to as the "instrument used to

measure the temperature in the miniature model house."

10
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature

This chapter provided an introduction to a review of

related literature that covered the usage of rags as

insulation material in the construction industry; its

features; the various manufacturing process; and advantages

of utilizing the materials. The following studies served as

a reference for the researchers of this work as they

conducted additional research on the subject and came to a

clearer knowledge of the value of rags as insulation

material.

In today's world, it is more crucial than ever to use

recyclable and ecological materials. To address the global

environmental issues that are currently plaguing the planet,

the building industry has taken this action. Utilizing

resources like rags is one of the many alternatives

suggested.

The following subjects comprise this chapter:

1. Textile Waste: From Rags to Resources Used in

Construction
2. Advantages of Using Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials

3. A Review on Textile Recycling Practices and Challenges

11
 Textile Reuse and Recycling

Environmental Sustainability in Textile Recycling

4. Benefits of Home Insulation

5. Textile as A Sustainable Insulating Material for

Buildings

State of The Art in Alternative Insulating

Materials from Virgin And/or Recycled Textile

Materials

Evaluation of Insulation Materials in The Context

of Sustainability

6. Characterization of the thermal properties of fibrous

insulation materials made from recycled textile fibers

for building applications: Theoretical and experimental

analyses

7. Thermal Insulation of High-Performance Fibrous

Materials

8. Recycled Denim Insulation

9. Philippine Thermal Comfort Study

10. Textile waste as an alternative thermal insulation

building material solution

12
Textile Waste: From Rags to Resources Used in Construction

According to Yee N. (2023), The textile and

construction industry are a couple of the leading

contributors to our global environmental crisis. The use of

textile waste in construction in place of commonly used

building materials should be seriously considered. Previous

research showed that the use of recycled textile waste for

building materials is feasible. Thermal insulation, sound

insulation, nonstructural components production, and soil

improvement are all aspects of construction where this has

been tested. The results show that they can be competitive

with currently used building materials. The next steps to

integrate textile waste into engineering and construction

include further long-term research, improved textile

recycling facilities, and exposure within these industries.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of

integrating new and innovative materials within civil

engineering and construction to reduce the carbon footprint

left by these industries and create more sustainable

building designs and construction practices.

13
Advantages of Using Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials

According to World Construction Today (2022), A new

generation of eco-friendly insulators has emerged, and

today’s homeowners want to make decisions that positively

influence the environment and traditional repairs. Eco-

friendly insulating products result from production

processes that employ safe and sustainable materials and

procedures. However, the advantages of using sustainable

insulating materials in your construction go beyond

environmental protection.

Adding an eco-friendly insulating layer to your green

home will help you save energy and money. Eco-friendly

insulation will aid green homes in colder climates by

generating more heat to maintain a constant temperature.

A Review on Textile Recycling Practices and Challenges

Textile Reuse and Recycling

Generally, textile reuse and recycling could reduce

environmental impact because it could potentially reduce

14
virgin textile fiber production and avoid processes further

downstream in the textile product life cycle. Moreover,

textile reuse and recycling are more sustainable when

compared to incineration and landfilling. However, reuse is

considered more beneficial than recycling, mainly when

sufficiently prolonging the reusing phase. Textile reuse

encompasses various means for extending the useful service

life of textile products from the first owner to another.

The textile recycling route can be classified based on

the nature of the processes involved or the level of

disassembly of the recovered materials. Fabric recycling

consists in recovering and reusing of a fabric into new

products. Meanwhile, fiber recycling involves disassembling

of fabric but preserving the original fibers.

Polymer/oligomer recycling consists of disassembling of

fibers while preserving the polymers or oligomers. Moreover,

monomer recycling consists of disassembling of polymers or

oligomers, while preserving the monomers (Juanga-Labayen,

P., Labayen, I. & Yuan Q., 2022).

Environmental Sustainability in Textile Recycling

Reuse and recycling of textile waste offers

environmental sustainability. Upcycling and closed-loop

15
recycling are the potential recycling routes that maximize

conservation of resources such as raw materials, water, and

energy, with minimal environmental impact. Moreover, textile

reuse and recycling reduce environmental impact compared to

incineration and landfilling, and reuse is more beneficial

than recycling. Applying ecological footprint in a textile

tailoring plant revealed that the resources category has the

highest ecological footprint, followed by the energy

consumed. Resources recovery can provide significant

environmental gains by replacing products from primary

resources. For every kilogram of virgin cotton displaced by

second-hand clothing and polyester could save approximately

65 kWh and 95 kWh, respectively (Juanga-Labayen, P.,

Labayen, I. & Yuan Q., 2022).

Benefits of Home Insulation

According to Wattson (2021), the benefits of home

insulation range anywhere from reducing energy consumption

to keeping your home warm and cozy in the cold Massachusetts

winter. Properly insulating your home is one of the best

ways to improve its longevity and reduce your energy bills.

While many homeowners only think of insulation in the colder

months, it actually does much more than keep you warm. Here

16
are eight reasons why you should consider adding insulation

to your home.

The following are the benefits it offers:

 makes it more comfortable

 save on heating and cooling costs

 reduces energy bills

 leave the noise outside and keep it quiet inside

 reduce the likelihood of water and mold issues

 government tax credits

 less carbon dioxide emissions equals less carbon

footprint

 protects a home against mother nature

 protects against fire and insects

Textile as A Sustainable Insulating Material for Buildings

State of The Art in Alternative Insulating Materials from

Virgin And/or Recycled Textile Materials

The properties of environmentally friendly thermal

insulation materials made of sheep wool have been examined.

The results show that insulation from the sheep wool has

17
characteristics similar to those of mineral wool, and in

relation to the ecological components and the impact on

human health, it is absolutely dominant. The benefits of

sheep wool include the following: clean and easy to renew

natural material source, comfortable and easy to handle

without potential risk to human health (irritation of the

skin, mucous membranes etc.), easy to recycle, eco-friendly,

relaxation of the material, there is neither change in

volume nor loss of elasticity, highly hygroscopic (up to

35%).

Insulation materials that are organic, innovative and

that contain recycled components are more sustainable than

conventional insulation materials. Insulating materials from

recycled textiles are considered to be sustainable materials

according to the LCA, mostly due to the possibility of

recycling, reuse and their low value of embodied energy.

Applying textile waste as an insulation material may have

environmental, sustainable and economic advantages. However,

as a result of insufficient consumer awareness, insulating

materials from recycled textiles are not present in the

markets as much as they deserve to be (Jordeva S. et al,

2019).

18
Evaluation of Insulation Materials in The Context of

Sustainability

The evaluation of insulation materials is a multicriteria

problem, which has to be carried out with respect to their:

physical properties (thermal insulation, density, mechanical

strength, sound absorption, resistance to moisture and

fire), applicability in specific building elements and their

cost, environmental impact and their impact on human health.

Physical characteristics of the insulation materials are

determined based on measurements, and the results are

compared to standard values, so it is relatively easy to

evaluate from this aspect. It is also not a problem to

evaluate the difficulty of installation, as well as the

price of the materials (Jordeva S. et al, 2019).

Characterization of the thermal properties of fibrous

insulation materials made from recycled textile fibers for

building applications: Theoretical and experimental

analyses

19
 The present study focuses on the thermal

characterization of an insulation material made from

recycled textile fibers for building applications, which

qualifies as a semi-transparent medium. Experimental and

numerical studies have been carried out to determine the

radiative flux ratio for such a recycled textile fiber-based

insulation for three thicknesses (5.35 mm, 5.67 mm and

6.64 mm). The inverse method, which relies on reflection and

transmission measurements using a Fourier-Transform Infrared

Spectrometer coupled to an integrating sphere, has been

applied along with a least squares’ procedure. The relevant

radiative properties of recycled textile insulation material

are obtained by minimizing the deviation between

experimental and theoretical data. The effective thermal

conductivity of the fibrous insulation is measured at room

temperature by means of a flux meter device. The radiative

thermal conductivity is estimated by implementing the

Rosseland model, while phonic conductivity is derived from

the effective thermal conductivity. The radiative thermal

conductivity displays a very limited effect in comparison

with phonic thermal conductivity; the latter varies

according to thickness, which in turn is determined by fiber

density and size. Phonic thermal conductivity accounts for

26% of the effective thermal conductivity and moreover

20
constitutes a large share (74%) relative to the radiative

conductivity (Tilioua A., Libessart L., Lassue S., 2018).

Thermal Insulation of High-Performance Fibrous Materials

According to Venkataraman M. (2015), Textile materials

have found a range of applications in the field of thermal

insulation. Thermal insulation is an important factor for

estimating physiological comfort for the application area.

Combination of different types of fabrics, with various

coatings and treatments, are being studied to understand and

improve the effectiveness of textile materials as thermal

insulators. In extreme cold applications, the role of the

middle layer in multilayer clothing is to protect the human

body against chilling. Different kinds of fibrous materials

such as traditional nonwovens are used as the middle thermal

insulating layer. Nonwoven fabrics are important components

for good thermal insulation of the body from the

surroundings, and they offer both space and weight savings.

Heat is a form of energy that can cross the boundary of a

system. Heat can, therefore, be defined as “the form of

energy that is transferred between a system and its

surroundings as a result of a temperature difference”. Heat

21
is usually referred to in thermodynamics through the term

“heat transfer”, which is consistent with the ability of

heat to raise or lower the energy within a system.

Recycled Denim Insulation

Denim insulation is actually a combination of recycled

jeans and post-industrial denim and cotton, not just denim

alone. The fabric is shredded and treated with boric acid to

make it flame retardant, and insect, pest, and mildew

resistant.

There is a lot of textile waste in this country. Denim

and cotton scraps from the mills and leftover clothes from

retailers are being recycled into denim insulation. It is an

environmental benefit to keep it out of the landfills.

Organizations that take clothing donations also have a

surplus of textiles, which get recycled as many products. As

long as people wear clothes, there will be a seemingly

endless supply of fabric for insulation, making it a

renewable product (Build Direct, 2015).

Philippine Thermal Comfort Study

The thermal comfort study carried out in Philippine

office buildings investigated among other things, how

22
people’s preferences and expectations of comfort have

evolved. Building on the findings of the thermal comfort

investigation and drawing on sociological and

anthropological concepts which link theories of consumption,

technology and practice, the study examined the ways in

which the cooling technologies, including the consequent

thermal comfort standards, feature in the

production of what people take to be normal, comfortable

environments (Andamon, M. 2014).

Textile waste as an alternative thermal insulation building

material solution

Textile waste integrates the group of reusable

materials that can be included in the building construction

and which have different possibilities of application. These

textile wastes may have origin in the textile industry or

may simply result from clothes that are no longer used. The

study of the performance of these types of wastes in the

construction should be partly based on the behavior of the

tissues when they are used as clothing. The primary function

of clothing is to protect the human body from cold and heat,

in order to keep thermal comfort conditions. This can be

acquired ensuring an appropriate heat transfer between the

23
human body and the outside environment. In this regard,

studies to analyze the phenomena of heat transfer through

the textile fabrics have been developed. These studies show

that their thermal insulation properties are highly related

to the properties and configuration of their components,

namely to the capillary structure, surface characteristics

of yarns and air volume distribution in the fabrics.

Thus, the knowledge of thermal, mechanical and physical

performance of various types of textile fabrics and their

residues is essential to optimize its use as a raw material

in the building construction.

Different textiles fibers are analyzed as a material to

produce lightweight concrete, as reinforcement of cement

mortars elements or as fibrous insulation materials (Briga

A. et al 2013).

24
 Synthesis

Thermal comfort is the condition of mind that expresses

satisfaction with the internal environment and is measured

primarily by physical indicators like temperature. The

essence of thermal comfort is an environment with

temperatures within an acceptable range. This is especially

important in tropical climates where the outside temperature

fluctuates widely between seasons.

Tropical climates like that of the Philippines are well

known for their high temperatures. Many factors affect

thermal comfort, and local climate and culture are crucial

considerations. While Philippine houses have traditionally

been built with materials that provide a high level of

thermal comfort, most modern homes have little or no

insulation in their walls, or ceilings.

Choosing the proper insulation is crucial for a home's

comfort and overall efficiency it is an investment in money

as well as health. In a country like the Philippines, with

its tropical climate, insulation could help residential and

25
commercial building owners save up to 20% on their energy

bills.

With the growing need to be aware of energy

conservation and the effects of global warming on the

environment, the researchers attempt to improve the

properties of insulation material in a sustainable way that

would allow dwellings to maintain the desired temperature as

well as keep things free of moisture.

This aims to replace typical insulation materials as

these offer more advantages such as flexibility, ease of

availability, and eco-friendliness.

The benefits of a versatile insulation material such as

this will likely help residences maintain a more constant

temperature inside, thereby preventing discomfort, as well

as save money that would have otherwise gone towards air

conditioning units, fans, humidifiers, and aids in keeping

moisture from wooden walls from deteriorating them.

26
 Chapter 3

Research Design and Methodology

This chapter explains the methodology used to collect

the data for this study. This includes the discussion of the

research design, procedures, phases utilized by the

researchers in conducting this study, and the statistical

data analysis of the study.

Research Design

This study used an experimental research design, with the

researchers attempting to demonstrate the potential of rags

as a sustainable insulation material in the construction

industry. Shrutika Sirisilla (2023), states that

experimental research design is a framework of protocols and

procedures created to conduct experimental research with a

scientific approach using two sets of variables. In this

study, the independent variables are the hours the two

miniature model houses were exposed to the sun and the

27
weather conditions. The dependent variable was observed to

determine whether a change in the independent variable

affects the dependent variable. In this study, the dependent

variables were the temperatures inside the two miniature

model houses.

Methods and Procedures

The experimental procedures for making rags as a sustainable

insulation material are divided into four phases: (I) The

process of making rags as insulation material; (II) Making

the insulation material fireproof and mold-free; (III)

Making the insulation material; and (IV) Evaluation of the

potential of using rags as thermal insulation material in

the two miniature model houses.

Phase I - The process of making rags as insulation material

SHREDDING

DISINFECTING

STRAINING

28
 DRYING

Figure 2. Process of making rags as insulation material

In the process of turning rags into insulation

material, the researchers first gathered their discarded

clothes and shredded them into small pieces to obtain

fibers. The second process is to disinfect the shredded

material using hot water and laundry detergent to remove

dust and dirt from the material. The third process is to

strain the disinfected material using an aluminum screen to

prepare it for drying. And the fifth process is the drying

stage, which is where the material undergoes sun-drying.

Phase II - Making the insulation material fireproof and

mold-free

In the process of making the insulation material

fireproof and mold-free, the researchers created a mixture

using the borax method. Using 69.2 grams of borax powder and

57.4 grams of boric acid mixed and combined together in a

basin with 1.5 liter of water, the shredded material will be

dipped down and sundried after. And also, the researchers

gathered the mixture and poured it into the 60-ml spray

bottle so that the finished insulation product could be

29
sprayed, which could help the insulation product get rid of

mold formation.

Phase III - Making the insulation material

In making the insulation material, the researchers

prepared the materials needed to construct it.

Materials:

For 400mm x 400mm and 10mm thick rag insulation material

-shredded material (400 g)

-binding agent (Polyglue) (500 g)

-water (400-ml)

After preparing the materials needed, the researchers

created a binding mixture using 500 grams binding agent

(polyglue) and 400-ml water to bind the shredded material by

mixing it in a basin. Then the researchers created a 400mm x

400mm mold material for the bound material to be put into

shape. And the materials used to create the mold material

30
are all scrap and recycled materials to value thriftiness. A

large load will then be applied to the mold material in

order to compress the bound material. The compressing stage

will last up to a minute in order to get the desired shape

and form. And to solidify the finished product (insulation

material), it undergoes sun drying and airdrying.

Phase IV - Evaluation of the potential of using rags as

thermal insulation material in the two miniature model

houses

After completing the three phases, the researchers

created a two miniature model houses made from scrap and

recycled materials to value thriftiness. These two miniature

model houses serve as a material to test the effectiveness

of the finished insulation material product. Using a

humidity meter, the initial indoor temperature of the sun-

exposed uninsulated model house and the insulated model

house will be measured at the same time, with 7 hours of sun

exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Statistical Data Analysis

After the evaluation of the finished product using the

humidity meter, the temperatures inside the insulated and

31
uninsulated model houses were gathered, recorded, and

summarized. The means of comparing insulated and uninsulated

model houses temperature differences will be used to

evaluate the findings and assess the potential of rags as a

thermal insulation material.

The statistical tools that the researchers used were the

arithmetic mean method and the t-test analysis.

1. Arithmetic Mean. An arithmetic mean method is an

arithmetic average of the data set, and it can be calculated

by dividing the sum of all the data (temperature) by the

total number of observations.

Arithmetic Mean =
Σx
N

Where:

Σx is the sum of all data (temperatures)

N is the total number of observations

2. T-test Analysis. A t-test analysis is a statistical test

that compares the means of two samples (uninsulated and

insulated temperature result) by the use of the XLMiner

Analysis Toolpak.

The researchers use this statistical tool to determine

if there is a significant difference between the insulated

32
and uninsulated model houses in terms of the average

temperature analysis.

Chapter 4

Results and Discussion

This chapter includes the results of the test taken and

the presentation, interpretation, and discussion of the

analysis of data based on the evaluation of the potential of

Rags as an Insulation Material by using an Uninsulated and

Insulated Model House.

Descriptive Data Analysis

The following tables and line graphs show the

differences in the Temperature of an Uninsulated and

Insulated House Model when it was exposed to sun for over

seven-hour period:

UNINSULATED HOUSE MODEL

(Sun-Exposed)
TIME TEMPERATURE (°C)
10:00 - 11:00 A.M. 35.2
10:00 - 12:00 P.M. 36.4

33
 10:00 - 1:00 P.M. 36.6
10:00 - 2:00 P.M. 36.8
10:00 - 3:00 P.M. 36.5
10:00 - 4:00 P.M. 35.7
10:00 - 5:00 P.M. 34.8
ACVERAGE MEAN 36.0
Table 1. Uninsulated Model House Result

Figure 3. Time vs. Temperature Line Graph for Uninsulated

Model House

Table 1 shows the temperature from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00

P.M. when the uninsulated house model was exposed to the

sun. The temperature is 35.2 degrees after one hour and

rises to 36.4 after two hours. In the following three and

four hours, the temperature slightly increased to 36.6 and

36.8 degrees. Then the temperature only drops 0.3 degrees in

5 hours and it abruptly dropped to 35.7 degrees in 6 hours.

34
After seven hours, at around five o'clock, the temperature

decreases to 34.8 degrees. An uninsulated house model has an

average temperature of 36.0 degrees Celsius.

INSULATED HOUSE MODEL

(Sun-Exposed)
TIME TEMPERATURE (°C)
10:00 - 11:00 A.M. 33.8
10:00 - 12:00 P.M. 34.4
10:00 - 1:00 P.M. 34.7
10:00 - 2:00 P.M. 34.9
10:00 - 3:00 P.M. 34.5
10:00 - 4:00 P.M. 34.3
10:00 - 5:00 P.M. 33.5
AVERAGE MEAN 34.3
Table 2. Insulated Model House Result

35
Figure 4. Time vs. Temperature Line Graph for Insulated
Model House

Table 2 shows the temperature from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00

P.M. when the insulated house model with a 400mmx400mmx10mm

Rag Insulator was exposed to the sun. The temperature is

33.8 degrees after one hour and rises to 34.4 after two

hours. In the following three and four hours, the

temperature slightly increased to 34.7 and 34.9 degrees. The

temperature then abruptly dropped to 34.5 degrees in 5 hours

and 34.3 degrees in 6 hours. After seven hours, at around

five o'clock, the temperature decreases to 33.5 degrees. An

insulated house model has an average temperature of 34.3

degrees Celsius.

36
Inferential Data Analysis

Using an Application Software, the XLMiner Analysis

Toolpak, the following statistics were generated:

Uninsulated Model Insulated Model

Descriptive
House Temperature House Temperature
Information
(°C) (°C)
Mean 36 34.3

Variance 0.5966666667 0.2433333333

Observations 7 7

37
Pearson 0.9710353339
Correlation
Hypothesized 0
Mean Difference
df 6

t Stat 14.22322045

P(T<=t) one-tail 0.000003775320138

t Critical one- 1.943180274
tail
P(T<=t) two-tail 0.000007550640276
t Critical two- 2.446911846
tail
Table 3. t-Test: Paired Two Sample for Mean

The temperature gathered in Uninsulated and Insulated

Model House will be input in the Google Sheet using the XL

Miner Analysis Toolpak. P(T<=t) two-tail

(0.000007550640276) gives the probability that the absolute

value of the t Stat (14.22322045), which is higher than the

absolute value of the t Critical two-tail (2.446911846).

Since the p-value of the one and two-tail is smaller than

the alpha (0.05), the researchers reject the null hypothesis

that “There is no significant difference between the

insulated model house and the uninsulated model house in

terms of average temperature analysis.”

38
Figure 5. PAGASA Weather forecast during the month of April

2023

Cost Analysis of the Rags Thermal Insulator and the

Commercialized Thermal Insulator

COMMERCIALIZED
RAG THERMAL INSULATOR
THERMAL INSULATOR

MATERIAL COST COST

Shredded Rags -
₱ 47.60
Binder Mixture ₱ 107.95

39
 Fire proofing
Mixture and Anti- ₱ 19.54
Mold Mixture
₱ 127.49 per 0.4 ₱ 47.60 per 0.4
TOTAL
sq. m sq. m
Table 4. Cost Analysis of the Rags Thermal Insulator and the
Commercialized Thermal Insulator

Table 4 presents the cost analysis of the rag

insulation material and the commercialized insulation

material. The estimated total cost of rag insulation

material per 0.4 sq. m (10 mm) of thickness is PHP 127.49.

The cost of PE foam insulation material (commercialized

insulation material), which is used in the study as a

comparison, is PHP 47.6 per 0.4 sq. m (10mm) of thickness.

Comparing the cost of the two insulation materials shows

that there is a significant difference in cost between the

commercialized insulation material and the rag insulation

material. Therefore, the researchers reject the null

hypothesis, which is “There is no significant difference

between the commercialized insulation material and rag

insulation material in terms of cost.”

Chapter 5

Summary, Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

This chapter discusses the summary of the study, the

findings of the study, the conclusions based on the

40
findings, and the recommendation based on the conclusion.

Summary

In an attempt to improve the properties of insulation

material in a sustainable way. The researchers conducted a

study on using rags as a sustainable insulation material to

provide an alternative insulating material to the

construction industry and to reduce environmental impact.

The purpose of this study is to develop an environmentally

friendly insulation material that reduces the amount of heat

that enters dwellings. An experimental research design was

utilized, and T-test analysis was used as a statistical tool

to test the hypothesis and compare the insulated model house

and the uninsulated model house in terms of average

temperature analysis.

Specifically, the researchers aim to respond to the

following queries:

1. Is there a significant difference between the

insulated model house and the uninsulated model house in

terms of average temperature analysis?

41
 2. Is there a significant difference between the

commercialized insulation material and rag insulation

material in terms of cost?

Summary of Findings

Based on the statement of the problem of the study, the

findings were the following:

1. The T-test analysis is a statistical tool used to

assess if the null hypothesis was rejected or not. Null

hypothesis states that “There is no significant difference

between the uninsulated model house and insulated model

house in terms of average temperature analysis.” As a

result, the null hypothesis was rejected, as the result was

P(T<=t) two-tail (0.000007550640276) gives the probability

that the absolute value of the t Stat (14.22322045), which

is higher than the absolute value of the t Critical two-tail

(2.446911846) and the p-value of the one and two-tail is

smaller than the alpha (0.05).

2. The estimated total cost of rag insulation material

per 0.4 sq. m x 10mm thickness is Php 127.49 while the

commercialized insulation material is Php 47.60. Therefore,

the null hypothesis which is “There is no significant

42
difference between the commercialized insulation material

and rag insulation material in terms of cost” is rejected.

Conclusions

The following are the conclusions based on the

findings:

1. By comparing the results of the insulated and

uninsulated model houses, which show a significant

difference in terms of average temperature analysis, the

researchers were able to conclude that rag insulation

material has the potential to be used as an alternative

insulation material for residential dwellings.

2. Based on the cost analysis, commercialized

insulation material is more economical than rag insulation

material.

Recommendations

The researchers recommend the following for further

improvement of the rag insulation material:

43
 1. Use an economical binding agent that still has

the same binding properties. In order to make the

insulation material cost-effective without affecting its

ability to become sustainable.

2. Use an equipment that can produce shredded rags

with greater efficiency and speed, such as a grinder or

shredder machine. This will increase the rate of

manufacturing while also enhancing the material's

capacity to bind and compress.

3. Use equipment, such as a compressor, to compress

the rag insulation material quickly and thoroughly.

References

Andamon, M. (2005). Building Climatology and Thermal

Comfort: Thermal Environments and Occupant Comfort)
Responses in Philippine Office Buildings. Retrieved

44
January 2, 2023, from https://anzasca.net/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2006_Mary-Myla-
Andamon.pdf

Andamon, M. (2006). Philippine Thermal Comfort Study.

Retrieved January 2, 2023, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/2287805_
Perceptions_and_Expectations_of_Thermal_Comfort_I
n_the_Philippines

Briga, A. et al (2013). Textile waste as an alternative

thermal insulation building material solution. Retrieved
May 11, 2023, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/ab/
pii/S0950061812006332

Build Direct, (2015). Recycled Denim Insulation.

Retrieved November 6, 2022, from
https://www.builddirect.com/blog/deniminsulation-
the-good-and-the-bad/

Cambridge Dictionary, (2022). Residential. Retrieved

December 30, 2022, from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/en
glish/residential

Cambridge Dictionary, (2022). Sustainable. Retrieved

December 30, 2022, from
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/en
glish/sustainable

Jordeva, S. et al, (2019). Textile as A Sustainable

Insulating Material for Buildings. Retrieved
January 1, 2023, from https://scindeks-
clanci.ceon.rs/data/pdf/0040-2389/2019/0040-
23891902020J.pdf

Juanga-Labayen, P., Labayen, I., & Yuan, Q. (2022). A

Review on Textile Recycling Practices and
ChallengesTextile Reuse and Recycling. Retrieved
April 22, 2023, from https://www.mdpi.com/2673-
7248/2/1/10

45
Masela, T. (2021). Thermal Insulation: An Interesting
Use for Textile Waste. Retrieved January 1, 2023,
from https://intentionality.co.za/thermal-
insulation-an-interesting-use-for-textile-waste/

Merriam-Webster, (2022). Rags. Retrieved December 30,

2022, from https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/rags

Merriam-Webster, (2022). Thermal Insulation. Retrieved

December 30, 2022, from https://www.merriam-
webster.com/dictionary/thermal%20insulation

National Building Code of the Philippines, (2000).

National Building Code of the Philippines -
Presidential Decree No. 1096 -1977. Retrieved
January 2, 2023, from https://anzasca.net/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2006_Mary-Myla-
Andamon.pdf

Shove, E. & Chappells, H. (2003). Future Comforts: Re-

Conditioning Urban Environments. Retrieved January 2,
2023, from https://anzasca.net/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/ANZAScA2006_Mary-Myla-
Andamon.pdf

Sirisilla, S. (2023). Experimental Research Design.

Retrieved February 16, 2023, from
https://www.enago.com/academy/experimental- research-
design/

Tilioua, A., Libessart, L., Lassue, S., (2018).

Characterization of the thermal properties of
fibrous insulation materials made from recycled
textile fibers for building applications:
Theoretical and experimental analyses. Retrieved
May 11, 2023, from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs
/pii/S1359431117355473

Venkataraman, M. (2015). Thermal Insulation of High-

Performance Fibrous Materials. Retrieved May 4,
2023, from https://www.ft.tul.cz/document/1149

Wattson, (2021). Benefits of Home Insulation.

Retrieved January 1, 2023, from

46
 https://myenergymonster.com/ma/8-benefits-of- home-
insulation/

World Construction Today, (2022). Advantages of Using

Eco-Friendly Insulation Materials. Retrieved
January 1, 2023, from
https://essential.construction/news/advantages-
of-using-eco-friendly-insulation-materials-for-a-
green-home/

Yee, N. (2023). Textile Waste: From Rags to Resources

Used in Construction. Retrieved May 5, 2023, from
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/project
s/n009w869z

47
 Appendix A

Materials and Production Cost

48
Table 5. Cost of Materials

MATERIALS QUANTITY UNIT UNIT COST AMOUNT

ALUMINUM
- - 0 0
SCREEN
PLYWOOD - - 0 0
NAILS - - 0 0
LUMBER - - 0 0
HUMIDITY
2 piece ₱229.00 ₱458.00
METER
RAGS - - 0 0
DETERGENT 2 piece ₱10.00 ₱20.00
CLEAN WATER - - - -
BORAX POWDER 1 500g ₱79.00 ₱79.00
BORIC ACID 1 1000g ₱150.00 ₱150.00
POLY GLUE 1 gal ₱890.00 ₱890.00
TOTAL AMOUNT ₱1,597.00

The table shows the cost of materials used in making

the rags thermal insulator and the two miniature house

model.

49
 Appendix B

Documentation

50
Phase I - The process of making rags as insulation material

Shredding discarded clothes

Disinfecting the shredded clothes

51
 Straining and drying the disinfected shredded clothes

Phase II - Making the insulation material a fireproof and

mold free material

Putting the mixture of boric acid and borax in a basin

together with the dried shredded clothes

52
Phase III - Making the insulation material

Creating a binding mixture using a polyglue

Creating a molding material

53
 Molding the Insulation Material

A large load will be applied to the mold material to

compress the bound material

54
Re-applying the fireproof and mold free mixture

400mmx400mm and 10mm thick Insulator

55
Phase IV - Evaluation of the potential of using rags as a

thermal insulation material in the two miniature model

houses

400mm x 400 mm

Uninsulated and Insulated House Model

Humidity Meter

56
 Appendix C

Curriculum Vitae

57
ALAO, KUINCEEH B.
Camanci Norte, Numancia, Aklan
09453744307
akuinceeh@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: December 19, 2000
Birth Place: Kalibo, Aklan
Age: 22 years old
Sex: Female
Height: 5’5”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Islam
Skills: Computer Literate, Flexible
Father’s Name: Alex D. Alao
Mother’s Name: Lea B. Alao

Educational Background
Senior High School:
Junior High School:
Elementary:
Garcia College of
Technology
Aklan National High School
for Arts and Trades
Kalibo Elementary School

58
CAHILIG, GRACE F.
Poblacion, Buruanga, Aklan
09165408939
gracecahilig@34gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: December 03, 1998
Birth Place: Lucena, City
Age: 24 years old
Sex: Female
Height: 5’5”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Creativity, Positivity
Father’s Name: Nestor P. Cahilig
Mother’s Name: Melanie F. Cahilig

Educational Background
Senior High School: Buruanga Vocational School
Junior High School: Buruanga Vocational School
Elementary: Buruanga Elementary School

59
DORO, ALLYSSA FAYNE A.
Odiong, Altavas, Aklan
09055472254
allyssafaynedoro@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: September 17, 2000
Birth Place: Binondo, Manila
Age: 22 years old
Sex: Female
Height: 5’2”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Literate in AutoCAD and
Sketchup,
Adaptability/Flexibility,
and Communication
Father’s Name: Felix G. Doro
Mother’s Name: Arlene A. Doro

Educational Background
Senior High School: Infant Jesus School
Junior High School: Infant Jesus School
Elementary: Odiong Elementary School

60
MACAVINTA, GERALD VIC C.
Marianos, Numancia, Aklan
09167361865
geraldvicmacavinta08@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: January 8, 2001
Birth Place: Kalibo, Aklan (DRSTMH)
Age: 22 years old
Sex: Male
Height: 5’8”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Leadership, Communication,
and Computer skills
Father’s Name: Victoriano G. Macavinta
Mother’s Name: Lorna C. Macavinta

Educational Background
Senior High School:
Junior High School:
Elementary:
Garcia College of
Technology
Numancia Integrated School
Numancia Integrated School

61
ROTANO, THEO M.
Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan
09638926026
rotanotheo2@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: June 8, 2000
Birth Place: Kalibo, Aklan
Age: 22 years old
Sex: Male
Height: 5’6”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Carpentry NC II, Plumbing
NC II
Father’s Name: Jovel C. Rotano
Mother’s Name: Fe M. Rotano

Educational Background
Senior High School: Aklan National High School
for Arts and Trades
Junior High School: Aklan National High School
for Arts and Trades
Elementary: Aklan Learning Center

62
SALIDO, NEILVEN C.
Maloco, Ibajay, Aklan
09124983856
salidoneilven@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: December 10, 1999
Birth Place: Ibajay, Aklan
Age: 23 years old
Sex: Male
Height: 6’0”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Self-learner and leadership
Father’s Name: Neil F. Salido
Mother’s Name: Bebelyn C. Salido

Educational Background
Senior High School: Maloco National High School
Junior High School: Maloco National High School
Elementary: Maloco Elementary School

63
STA. MARIA, JHON DAVE S.
Mangan, Banga, Aklan
09107540440
Jdkin29@gmail.com

Personal Data
Birth Date: October 29, 1999
Birth Place: Kalibo, Aklan
Age: 23 years old
Sex: Male
Height: 5’4”
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic
Skills: Interpersonal Skills,
Flexibility,
Adaptability, and Complex
Problem Solving
Father’s Name: Jhonny D. Sta. Maria
Mother’s Name: Janet S. Sta. Maria

Educational Background
Senior High School: SHS San Nicholas III
Junior High School: Eastern National High School
Elementary: Pineda Elementary School

64