Valorization of Jute Stick as a Novel and Sustainable Material for Thermal Insulation in South Asia

Abstract

Extreme heat events are increasingly salient in South Asia as a consequence of anthropogenic climate change. However, existing buildings in the region are not equipped to withstand such elevated temperatures, posing a risk to human health. Retrofitting the building envelope with insulation has been proposed as an effective means of improving energy efficiency of cooling. Hence, jute stick is proposed for investigation as a novel resource for creating thermal insulation, representing a sustainable and accessible solution for mitigating heat stress, as well as enabling the valorization of agricultural waste. Expanding upon the existing literature on biomaterial-based insulation, this thesis characterizes the thermal properties of jute stick through imaging and obtaining an experimental value for thermal conductivity. Methods of processing jute stick are explored for the fabrication of insulation panel prototypes, while energy modeling facilitates a comparative analysis of insulation-derived benefits. Ultimately, jute stick emerges as a promising biomaterial for application as thermal insulation.