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Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter informs of the variables under study. It shows the nature,

scope and problem under study. It includes the following: (1.1) Background of

the Study, (1.2) Statement of the Problem, (1.3) Hypothesis, (1.4) Significance
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

of the Study, and (1.5) Scope and Delimitation.

1.1 Background of the Study

Buildings and the construction industry are major contributors to global

CO2 emissions through embodied and operational energy use. Industry is a

major consumer of natural resources, and many products contain materials

that are detrimental to the indoor environment and human health. One of the

most effective measures to reduce operational energy use is to insulate the

building envelope, which confers benefits in both heating and cooling energy

use. Current thermal insulation materials in the construction market are

generally inorganic materials e.g., extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded

polystyrene (EPS), polyisocyanurate, and polyurethane foam. These materials

have a high performance in resisting heat transfer, but the environmental

impact of their production processes is high (Charca et al., 2015).

Accordingly, the use of natural materials, which undergo minimal production

processing, for application as building insulation is an important aspect in the

creation of a healthy and sustainable environment.

The use of bio-based or natural fiber insulation materials as a

replacement for inorganic materials has recently been the subject of

numerous investigations. A novel category of insulation materials called "bio-

based," or "plant- or animal-based," products include cork, cotton, wood fiber,

flax, hemp, coconut, cellulose, rice, sheep's wool, and others. The use of

plant-based materials in construction can lower the net embodied carbon


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

dioxide of a building since they sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide through

photosynthesis. When utilized properly, these materials can provide thermal

and acoustic insulation performance on par with existing insulation materials,

but with a smaller carbon footprint—or even a negative one—and less risk of

health problems during installation (Korjenic et al., 2011).

Waste tires and their accumulation is one of the major environmental

concerns as they are non-biodegradable, and an estimated 1.5 billion are

generated globally each year. Waste tires in landfill and stockpiles are

renowned for seeping toxic chemicals into the surrounding environment,

functioning as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and igniting inextinguishable

fires (Mohajerani, et al., 2020). In the Philippines, approximately about 10

million tires are generated annually, and this is likely to increase proportionally

with the present population expansion (TASCO, 2017). To lessen

environmental concerns, researchers are continually exploring innovative

ways to recycle waste tires. Waste tires provide hardness and elasticity

properties superior to those of rubber, good resistance to weathering, can be

used for preventing impact damage, and for construction materials, because

of their low specific gravity which is lower than that of most construction

materials. Furthermore, because of their capacity to tolerate both hot and cold

temperatures, as well as their anti-caustic and anti-rot capabilities, tires may

be used in practically every environmental condition and climate. (Yang, et al.,

2004).
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

Success in incorporating these materials into insulation board making

would contribute to a reduction in the quantity of Okra stems and scrap tires

ending up as waste. This undertaking is envisioned to provide impact to our

society specifically in the agricultural context. This will open doors for the

target beneficiaries in opening a new business venture. It will point out new

paths and options to further advance this development. It also encourages

future researchers in recycling other waste materials and encourages the

general public to be more environmentally aware, broadening their horizons

towards recycling and conservation.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study primarily focuses on making a fiber insulation board from

Okra stalk fiber reinforced with waste tire particles composite.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the physical properties of fiber insulation board made of Okra

stalk reinforced with waste tire particles composite in terms of:

a. Thermal Conductivity

b. Water Absorption

2. What are the mechanical properties of fiber insulation board made of

Okra stalk reinforced with waste tire particles composite in terms of:

a. Flexural Strength

1.3 Hypothesis
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1. The fiber insulation board made of Okra stalk fiber reinforced with

waste tire particles composite has no distinct physical properties in

terms of:

a. Thermal Conductivity

b. Water Absorption

2. The insulation board made of Okra stalk reinforced with waste tire

particles composite has no distinct mechanical properties in terms of:

a. Flexural Strength

1.4 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to the following entities:

Agriculture. Agriculture frequently puts a significant strain on natural

resources in the environment. This study promotes sustainable construction

materials by using alternative materials as reinforcement in making insulation

boards. Furthermore, since the ingredients used in the experiment are derived

from recycling the most often regarded waste in daily routine, the study's

priority is making sure that waste will be used efficiently rather than being

discarded as rubbish. This research will help the construction industry and the

ecosystem achieve sustainable growth by using environmental management

practices and resources.

Future researchers. This study will help future researchers to identify gaps in

the existing literature or unanswered questions. Future researchers can use


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

these insights to design their studies and address these gaps, thus advancing

the field.

Society. As it is possible to make a fiber insulation board by reinforcing it with

Okra stalk fibers, society can benefit from the outcome of this study,

considering that it can help people provide a more durable insulation board for

their walls or ceilings. People who want to save for a low-cost insulation board

in house construction can also benefit from this study. Small businesses can

start up as a result of this research, generating profit and contributing to the

local economy.

Construction. This may help decrease the continuously rising cost of housing

materials and lessen the use of wood in the construction industry which

causes widespread deforestation. Okra stalk fibers are added to serve as

reinforcement fiber to make the insulation board stronger and more efficient to

use. Insulation boards can be made from up to 97% organic material. Okra is

considered one of the abundant sources of natural fibers which compliments

the need of producing a fiber board. The mechanical and physical properties

of Okra stalk fiber will be tested for its suitability. This is to determine if the

Okra stalk fiber insulation board will pass the Philippine National Standards

and ASTM C203 Standards for thermal insulation. Since our country's

insulation production is heavily reliant on its mechanical properties, this study

will provide a solid foundation for improving the insulation board's physical

properties in our region. As there are only a few existing publications on


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

sustainable construction solutions, this report will help fill the gaps in the

literature by offering a reliable foundation for future studies.

Landfills. Most landfills no longer accept tires because they do not

biodegrade, and they end up taking up a lot of space in landfills. Due to their

chemical properties, tires also cause ground and air pollution and are a

significant fire hazard. In the Philippines, tires are usually buried underground

or go up in smoke. What's mostly done is that combustible components of the

tire are fed to furnaces as fuel in cement manufacturing plants. With this

study, there would be another alternative for recycling waste tires.

1.5 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the production of fiber insulation boards from

Okra Stalk fiber reinforced with waste tire particles composite. It will only be

limited to the use of Okra stalk and waste tire particles. This study will be

conducted within the vicinity of Koronadal City and in Koronadal National

Comprehensive High School Senior High School. The study will begin in the

month of September 2023 and will end in June 2024. Experimental research

design will be used.

CHAPTER II
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter presented the definition of terms, related literature, and

studies that are significant to the study. These consisted of books, thesis, and

articles from internet written by both foreign and local authors.

2.1 Related Readings

Insulation

Insulation materials comes in various forms, ranging from thick fibrous

substances like fiberglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibers to

solid foam boards and sleek foils. Bulkier materials are effective at slowing

down conductivity and, to some extent, convective heat transfer within the

walls of a building. Rigid foam boards, on the other hand, use trapped air or

gas to resist the movement of heat. Highly reflective foils, found in radiant

barriers and reflective insulation systems, redirect radiant heat away from

living areas, making them particularly beneficial in warmer climates. There are

also less common options like cementitious and phenolic foams, as well as

vermiculite and perlite (Energy Saver, n.d.).

Cellulose Insulation Material

Several natural fibers, such as cotton, sheep's wool, straw, and hemp,

serve as insulation materials. Cotton insulation is composed of 85% recycled

cotton and 15% plastic fibers treated with borate, which acts as a flame
Republic of the Philippines
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

retardant and pest repellent, similar to cellulose insulation. It's available in

batts and boasts eco-friendliness due to its recycled content.

Sheep's wool, also treated with borate, provides R-13 and R-19 values

for 2x4 and 2x6 stud-framed walls, respectively.

Straw bale construction, once popular on the Great Plains, has

regained attention. Straw can be fused into boards without adhesives, with

thickness ranging from 2 to 4 inches. These boards can serve as effective

sound-absorbing panels and can be used in structural insulated panels. Hemp

insulation, although less common in the United States, offers a similar R-value

to other fibrous insulation types

Cellulose fiber insulation primarily consists of finely ground paper fibers

treated with inorganic additives that serve as fire retardants and prevent mold

growth. Its texture is similar to that of cotton wool. The source material for

these cellulose fibers is typically recycled newspapers, which can be unsold

or recovered papers. Newsprint, used in newspapers, is usually produced

through mechanical pulping. Recycled newsprint or chemical pulp can also be

integrated into cellulose insulation. Like most lignocellulosic fibers, newsprint

contains a mixture of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Mechanical

pulping, as opposed to chemical pulping, retains a significant amount of lignin

content. The paper pulp also includes mineral and organic additives like

kaolins, china clay, or cationic starch to enhance properties such as paper

opacity, moisture retention, and strength. Inks used in paper production are

typically derived from inorganic carbon sources, with organic pigments used
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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for chromatic inks. The average composition of main components in newsprint

and office paper, particularly chemical pulp, is an important aspect of research

in this field (Hurtado, 2016).

Okra Stalks

The stem of Okra plants is semi-woody and erect, variable in branching

and they might be bristly or hairless. Okra bast fibers obtained from Okra

stems are multicellular, lignocellulosic, and quiet, similar to jute and hemp.

Okra bast fibers have alpha-cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and the rest

are bundles of cellulosic fibers that may contain the structure of the plant.

Commercially, the fiber hasn’t been used much. Thus, there has been a lot of

interest in commercially, exploiting it for a number of domestic and industrial

uses. Mechanical decorticating systems are said to be in the early stage of

development and fibers are being investigated as an alternative to the

common and most regularly used fibers like jute, flax, and hemp fibers which

are part of a large effort to expand the botanical species from which fibers

may be produced. Another advantage of employing Okra bast fibers is that its

inedible sections, which are generally recyclable waste, are also used

(Shaheruzzaman, 2011).

Okra bast fibers contain 67.5% a -cellulose, 15.4% hemicelluloses, 7.1%

lignin, 3.4% pectic matter, 3.9% fatty and waxy matter, and 2.7% aqueous

extract. The a-cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are the ones that make the

fibers stiffer and tougher. Okra bast fiber contains higher a-cellulose and has
Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

good characteristics like high molecular weight thus it gives high tensile

strength, more dye ability and better color fastness properties. Because the

bast fiber of Okra has a high amount of cellulose; it can be used as a

cellulosic raw material in cellulose-based industries (Alam & Khan, 2007).

Okra bast fibers are less vulnerable to chemical treatments such as

alkalization, bleaching, maleic anhydrite, and vinyl acetate treatments. Also,

Okra bast fibers was found to possess highest mechanical strength and

modulus through bleaching and vinyl acetate treatments. In terms of fineness

and mechanical performance, Okra bast fibers were discovered to be

superior. The Okra bast fibers have performance qualities that are

comparable to those of traditional bast fibers. Thus, Okra bast fibers are

promising for use in bio composites as reinforcement elements (Arifuzzaman

Khan, Yilmaz N., & Yilmaz L., 2019).

According to Kocak, Merdan, Mistik, Sahinbaskan (2018), scientist

have been searching for biodegradable natural materials that can be used in

place of synthetic materials that have not been biodegradable for a long time.

Synthetic composite materials are widely used in the automotive, space,

furniture, construction, medical and packaging industries. As a result,

biodegradable bio composites are becoming more popular. Many stem fibers,

such as flax, hemp, kenaf, and jute, have been used as an alternative to

standard reinforcing fibers in composite materials in recent years.

In fact, because of their sustainable, recyclable, biodegradable,

renewable, and cost-effective features, researchers have begun to focus on


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

the evaluation of agricultural plant stem wastes in fiber extraction. Depending

on the plant from which they are obtained, stem waste fibers can have a

variety of characteristics.

Okra is an agricultural plant that is easy and effortless to cultivate

because of its drought-resistant nature and low water requirements. The okra

fibers are made from the okra plant's stem wastes that remain on the fields

after harvest. The Okra fibers have a low ratio of lignin which causes

yellowing and photochemical degradation, and have high molecular weight.

For this reason, properties such as color fastness and strength are good. The

physical and chemical properties of okra fibers, which have a high cellulose

content are similar to those of other traditional body fibers.

In terms of usability in the production of composites, cellulose is the

most important content in natural fibers. The higher the cellulosic ratio, the

stronger the fiber and thus the more suitable to use it as a reinforcement.

Recent studies have found that okra fibers have good mechanical strength

and modulus, and that they have the potential to be used as a reinforcing

element in polymer matrix composites. Okra fibers can be treated with

environmentally friendly chemical surface modifications, besides improving

their mechanical properties such as strength, these treatments increase their

absorbency in subsequent processing by providing surface roughness.


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Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity is a property that describes a material’s ability to

conduct heat. It is often denoted as k and has the SI units of W/m·K (Watts

per meter Kelvin). Thermal conductivity is a key parameter in measuring

conductive heat transfer (HyperPhysics, 2015). According to Liu et al. (2023),

the thermal insulation efficiency of thermal insulation materials mainly

depends on the thermal conductivity and their ability to maintain their thermal

characteristics for a period of time. Thermal conductivity is one of the main

characteristics of thermal insulation materials in the building industry. The

most accurate method to obtain the thermal conductivity of a composite

insulation board is to measure it according to the standard test method. The

thermal insulation of the building envelope is very important for energy

conservation and a comfortable indoor environment. For the envelope of a

building structure, the lower the thermal conductivity is, the better the thermal

insulation performance of the materials is, and the higher the energy

conservation rate of the building is.

2.2 Related Studies

Properties and Utilizations of Waste Tire Rubber in Concrete

Concrete is the most often used building material in the world. Current

global problems include lowering the cost of concrete while increasing its

strength and durability, as well as improving the greenness of concrete

construction. This problem necessitates the use of innovative materials that


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can replace standard concrete components. Rubber may be used as a

substitute for concrete components due to its high strength, ductility, and

strain control qualities. Rubber can be used in concrete and mortar as a

binder or to replace fine aggregates (FA) and coarse aggregates (CA). The

benefits of adding crumb rubber (CR) into any engineering cementitious

composite (ECC) are fewer CO2 emissions and increased environmental

greenness.

In some instances, the tensile strength of RuC outperforms PC by

replacing a small percentage of sand with rubber, when rubber-concrete

adhesion does its job. Most studies show that RuC has higher ductility, fatigue

resistance, and impact resistance than PC. Inclusion of rubber can be helpful

in the uniform and easy dilatation of concrete under load. RuC can be used to

build hydraulic structures, such as tunnels and dam spillways, where high

abrasion resistance is required; in thermal and acoustic insulation systems; in

running tracks and roadside barriers, where high impact energy absorption

capacity is necessary; in parking areas; and in cold climate zones with

significant freeze thaw effects (Siddika, A. et. al, 2019).

Insulation Board’s Physical and Mechanical Properties

The study of Luamkanchanaphan et. al, 2012 followed TIS. 876-2547

to assess board properties, with a focus on moisture content (MC). Higher

board density resulted in increased MC, attributed to denser fibers and resin.

After blending MDI, high-density boards had higher MC than low-density


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ones. The MC values for boards with densities of 200, 300, and 400 kg/m3

were 11.22%, 11.94%, and 12.91%, respectively, aligning with the TIS. 876-

2547 standard of 4-13%. The higher density boards were stronger than the

lower density boards.

The mechanical properties of insulation boards, particularly their

density, have a significant impact on their tensile strength. When all the

boards have a uniform thickness of 10 mm, those with higher density exhibit

fewer voids, resulting in stronger bonding between the fibers. According to

insulation board standards, the accepted range for average tensile strength

falls between 10 to 25 psi. However, experimental data indicates that boards

with densities of 200, 300, and 400 kg/m³ have average tensile strengths of

4.49, 13.24, and 14.78 psi, respectively. Notably, only the board with a density

of 200 kg/m³ falls short of meeting the insulation board standard.

Thermal conductivity testing has confirmed a direct relationship

between board density and thermal conductivity. Higher board density leads

to increased thermal conductivity. Despite being solid, thermal insulation

boards have voids within their structure, and these voids expand as board

density decreases. The presence of air within these voids contributes to the

lower overall thermal conductivity of the board. The results of the research

show that these boards, with a density ranging from 200-400 kg/m3, have

thermal conductivity values in the range of 0.0438-0.0606 W/m K. These

values are lower than those of fibrous and cellular materials within the same

density range, including low-density wheat straw board, particleboard made


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from a mixture of durian peel and coconut coir, kenaf binderless board,

expanded perlite, and vermiculite.

In the study of Islam, Mia, and Uddin (2022) in the Investigation of the

performance of Okra fiber in woven fabric, the tensile strength of fabric

blended with Polyester and Okra fiber, it surpasses that of fabric blended with

Polyester and Linen by 18.97% in the weft direction. Notably, as the blend

ratio increases, the tensile strength decreases in both Polyester-Okra and

Polyester-Linen fabrics in the weft direction. This reduction is attributed to the

uneven distribution of bast fiber with synthetic fiber, which becomes more

pronounced as the bast fiber content in the blend yarn increases.

Polyester-Okra blended fabric shows 8.14% higher tear strength

compared to Polyester-linen in the weft direction. In an 85/15 blend, the tear

strength of Polyester-Okra is 63.9 N, whereas Polyester-linen is 67.8 N in the

weft direction. Tear strength decreases with increasing blend ratio for both

Polyester-Okra and Polyester-linen, due to reduced polyester content in weft

yarn and fabric. Nonetheless, the Polyester-Okra fabric maintains an

acceptable tear strength level.

2.3 Conceptual Framework

Several researchers have previously investigated the effects of

incorporating waste tire composites and okra fiber as a primary material in an

insulation board. An excellent review on rubberized polymer composites for

construction applications is provided in Abu-Jdayil et al. (2019) and Medina et


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
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KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

al. (2018). The use of rubber tire composites as a thermal insulator was

reviewed by Schiavoni et al. (2016). The fibers which will be used in such

application should have sufficient mechanical properties and thermal

insulation properties.

This study was anchored on the idea that Okra Stalk Fiber reinforced

with Waste Tire Composite particles can be an alternative material for the

production of commercial insulation boards. The main focus of this study on

making a fiber insulation board from Okra stalk reinforced with waste tire

particles composite is to test its efficiency and reliability through various

testing and conditions.

The input is the okra stalk fiber and waste tire particles. The physical

and mechanical properties of the Okra stalk reinforced with waste tire

particles composites is the process that will be determined in a laboratory test

in accordance with the Philippine National Standards and ASTM Test

Standards. The output will be the fiber insulation board.

Okra Stalk Fiber Physical and Fiber


and Waste Tire Mechanical Insulation
Particles Properties Testing Board

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram

2.4 Definition of Terms

The term is defined operationally in the study:


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Insulation Board: A rigid panel used in construction to reduce the transfer of

heat, cold, or sound between different areas in a building. In this research, it is

designed with a focus on environmental sustainability.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presented the research processes that are related and

applicable in response to the statement of the problem in Chapter 1 which

aimed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the insulation

board made from Okra stalk fibers reinforced with waste tire particles

composite. It included the research design and the different procedures that

will be done to make the study attainable.

3.1 Research Design

The study will utilize a quantitative research design. Further, the

researchers will focus more on the quantitative data from the results of the

physical and mechanical properties of the fiber insulation boards made from

Okra Stalk fiber reinforced with waste tire particles composite.

The first phase of the study will consist of material gathering and the

process of manufacturing the boards. The second phase will be the

calculation of the physical and mechanical properties of the boards. For

physical properties, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and water

resistance will be tested; for mechanical properties, flexural strength will be


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tested. The third phase will be the analysis of the results. The results of each

test will be compared to ASTM standards for insulation boards.

3.2 Research Locale

The study will be conducted within the vicinity of Koronadal City. The

grinding process of Okra stalk fibers and waste tires will be done within

Koronadal City. The molding and preparation of the insulation boards will be

done at the premises of Koronadal National Comprehensive High School

Senior High School, particularly the Senior High School Science Laboratory.

The place is selected because it is the most convenient for experimentation.

The measuring instruments and equipment present in the Science Laboratory,

such as graduated cylinders and weighing scales, are vital in measuring the

Okra stalk and tire for experimentation. Lastly, the laboratory is secured and

has a vast space that meets the demands of the process.


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Figure 2. Location Map of the Study. 2023

3.3 Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers will seek permission from Mrs. Chona L. Bernabe, the

Assistant Principal for Academics at KNCHS-SHS, and from the school

principal, Mr. Valentin Dignadice Jr., to conduct the study beyond the confines

of the school premises. Parental consent is also required from researchers.

Once all necessary permissions are secured, the materials needed for the

experiment will be gathered.

3.3.1 Preparation of Okra Stalk Fibers

Okra stalk fiber will be obtained from okra plantations in the area

of Koronadal City. The okra stalk will be cut to a length of

approximately 20 cm by hand and soaked in a 10 wt% NaOH solution

for 30 minutes to obtain softened fibers. It will then be sun-dried for 12

hours. After that, the dried samples will be cut into particle pieces by

commercial grinders. All particles will be sun-dried again for 12 hours

and will be used for insulation board preparation.

3.3.2 Preparation of Waste Tire Particles


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Clean tire scraps will be gathered from the vulcanizing shops in

the vicinity of Koronadal. The tire scraps will undergo shredding using a

commercial tire shredder to produce fine tire particles.

3.3.3 Preparation of Insulation Boards

Other materials such as a 20 cm x 20 cm x 1.5 cm molder,

phenolic glue, container, measuring cup, cutting tools, ball pens, paper,

calculator, and scissors will be bought at a local hardware store if such

aren't readily available at the researcher's home. On the other hand,

the NaOH solution will be bought at a local chemical supply store. After

the okra stalk fibers and waste tire particles have attained the proper

sizes, they will be mixed in a molder. The molder has dimensions of 20

cm by 20 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm.

Three types of boards will be prepared with commercial binder,

okra stalk fiber, and tire particles: ratios of 1:2:1, 1:1:2, and 1:2:2.

Another two types of boards will be prepared with a 3:1 ratio of okra

with binder and tire with binder. One board will be prepared with only a

commercial binder as a control variable.

Commercial binders will be used, such as phenolic glue, which

is generally used as a bonding agent and will be used in the production

of rigid insulation boards. The boards will be made by adding the

binder to the mixture to form a squared insulation board.


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After molding, the board will be cut into three (3) various test

samples. Each measurement will be the average of three (3) samples

cut from each of the six (6) different boards. The samples will undergo

physical testing such as water absorption and thermal conductivity.

Additionally, mechanical testing, specifically flexural strength will be

applied to the samples. The tests will be based on the ASTM C208

Standards for Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board.

3.3.4 Physical and Mechanical Tests

Boards, when employed as an alternative material for housing, are

expected to exhibit qualities and characteristics that match or exceed

those found in existing commercial products. A laboratory test will be

conducted to determine the suitability of the Okra stalk fiber insulation

board. This includes the physical and mechanical testing of the board. The

physical and mechanical testing of board samples will be conducted by the

existing ASTM Test Standards.

I. Physical Testing

a. Water Absorption

Water absorption will be carried out in accordance with

ASTM C739, which requires a test to evaluate how well these

boards can withstand and resist moisture, which is essential for the
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Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

boards’ long-term effectiveness and structural integrity. To compute

the water absorption, a formula will be used:

Where:

WA - water absorption

Ww - weight of the board after soaking

Dw - weight of the board before soaking

b. Thermal Conductivity

The ASTM C518, also known as the Standard Test Method

for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties, is employed to

measure thermal conductivity. This test utilizes a heat flow

apparatus to assess a material's efficiency in conducting heat and

calculates the K-Value (thermal conductivity). To compute the

thermal conductivity, a formula will be used:

Where:

QU - output of the upper heat flux transducer

QL - output of the lower heat flux transducer

D - thickness of the board

ΔT - temperature difference between the surfaces of the board


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

II. Mechanical Testing

a. Flexural Strength

Lastly, Flexural Thermal Insulation is a test standard used to

determine the strength of block-type thermal insulation. A three-

point bend test can be used in this test method to assess breaking

load and flexural strength in accordance to ASTM C203. The

flexural strength of the board samples will be evaluated using a

flexural testing apparatus.

Asking Permission from the Assistant Principal for


Academics and from the School Principal of KNCHS

Preparation of Okra Stalk Fibers

Preparation of Waste Tire Particles

Preparation of Insulation Boards

Physical and Mechanical Testing

Collecting the Data from the Experiment

Analyze the Data Gathered from the Experiment


Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region XII
City Schools Division of Koronadal
KORONADAL NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
City of Koronadal

Statistical Tool

Figure 3. Flow Chart of the Data Gathering Procedure.

3.4 Statistical Tool

Values for all parameters tested will be computed; the physical and

mechanical property testing will be done by comparing the results with the

standard values set by ASTM Standards. The tests for the boards' physical

properties are thermal conductivity and water absorption. For mechanical

properties, flexural strength will be used. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

will be used to determine if a significant difference exists in the physical and

mechanical properties of Oka stalks and waste tire particle insulation board

among all trials of all setups. To determine which trial is the most effective, a

post-ANOVA test and a T-test will be used.

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