Characterization and Energy Performance of Rice Husk Fiber Insulation Applied by the Blowing Technique in an Industrialized Modular Housing System
Source abstract
Abstract
The construction sector plays a key role in climate change due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Developing environmentally friendly building materials with low environmental impact is essential to improving energy efficiency. Insulation derived from agricultural waste is particularly promising due to its low ecological footprint, responsible resources use, and potential for integration into various construction systems. This study evaluates the potential of rice husk fiber as a thermal insulating material applied through the blowing technique in the Skylark 250 modular system. Rice husk fiber was morphologically and thermally characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while its thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) alongside a fire behavior assessment. Additionally, energy simulations were conducted to compare the thermal performance of rice husk fiber with other insulating materials when integrated into a building’s thermal envelope. The results showed an average thermal conductivity of 0.040 W/mK, a U-value of 0.17 W/m2K, and a heating demand of 9.56 kWh/m2-year when applied to the modular system. The material also exhibited good fire resistance, with a smoldering velocity of 3.40 mm/min. These findings highlight rice husk fiber’s potential as a sustainable insulation material for modular construction, contributing to energy efficiency and climate change mitigation.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Korean Urban and Social Studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Architecture, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Departamento de Arquitectura—Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Arequipa 04001, Peru
Facultad de Arquitectura, Construcción y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile
Departamento de Ingeniería de Obras Civiles, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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