A solution to improve the thermal efficiency of the exterior shell of a building using natural non-woven composite materials

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.S in Architectural Technology, Department of Architectural Technology, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Architectural Technology Department, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

Abstract

Nowadays, the relationship between bio mimicry science and various fields including extended architecture and the study of patterns, systems, and biological elements, is a way to create solutions to the problems of human life. Silkworm cocoon is a biological structure and a natural composite that has evolved during the time and is a good response to environmental conditions for silkworm and has high physical and mechanical properties against stress and has a good function as an insulator against ambient temperature conditions. Understanding the structure relationships of silkworm cocoons inspires how to create composite structures, including non-woven, lightweight, and high-strength composites. In this study, the descriptive-analytical method and logical reasoning method attempt to introduce the structure of silk cocoon, using sericin cocoon and natural fibers, which for various reasons such as lightness, non-pollution, abundance, and low-cost, can be a suitable alternative to artificial fibers, offer materials as a non-woven bio composite. These materials, which have recyclable properties and are suitable in terms of energy consumption, can be used as moisture and heat insulation. This performance was simulated and analyzed in the outer shell of the building and using the Hani Bee energy analysis plugin in the Grasshopper for the hot and dry climate of Kashan. The results show that the proposed non-woven composite of natural fibers can help to improve the thermal performance and reduce the heat transfer between the outside and inside of the building by up to 12.7% compared to when the building shell is considered without thermal insulation.

Keywords

References

[1] M. Bechthold, and J. C. Weaver, Materials science and architecture, Nature Reviews Materials, Vol. 12, No.2, pp. 1-19, 2017.
[2] F. Chen, D. Porter, and F. Vollrath, Silkworm cocoons inspire models for random fiber and particulate composites, The American Physical Society, Physical Review, Vol. 82, No. 4, pp. 041911, 2010.
[3] D. Gupta, A. Agrawal, and A. Rangi, Extraction and characterization of silk sericin, Indian Journal of Fibre & Textile Research (IJFTR), Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 364-372, 2014.
[4] F. Chen, Silk cocoons as composites Doctoral dissertation, Oxford University, UK. , 2011.
[5] B. Blossman-Myer, and W. W. Burggren, The silk cocoon of the silkworm, Bombyx mori: Macro structure and its influence on Tran's mural diffusion of oxygen and water vapor, Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Vol. 155, No. 2, pp.259-263, 2010.
[6] H. W. Kwak, J. Eom, S. Y. Cho, M. E. Lee, and H. J. Jin, High-toughness natural polymer nonwoven preforms inspired by silkworm cocoon structure, International journal of biological macromolecules, Vol. 127, pp. 146-152, 2019.
[7] A. Korjenic, J. Zach, and J. Hroudová, The use of insulating materials based on natural fibers in combination with plant facades in building constructions, Energy and Buildings, Vol. 116, pp. 45-58, 2016.
[8] J. Khedari, B. Suttisonk, N. Pratinthong, and J. Hirunlabh, New lightweight composite construction materials with low thermal conductivity, Cement and Concrete Composites, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 65-70, 2001.
[9] X. Jin, J. Zhang, W. Gao, J. Li, and X. Wang, Interfacial heat transfer through a natural protective fibrous architecture: a wild silkworm cocoon wall, Textile research journal, Vol. 85, No. 10, pp. 1035-1044, 2015.
[10] J. Zhang, J. Li, X. Jin, S. Du, J. Kaur, and X. Wang, Natural and highly protective composite structures–wild silkworm cocoons, Composites Communications, Vol. 4, pp. 1-4, 2017.
[11] F. Chen, D. Porter, and F. Vollrath, Silk cocoon (Bombyx mori): multi-layer structure and mechanical properties, Acta Biomaterialia, Vol. 7, No. 8, pp. 2620-2627, 2012.
[12] A. De Lima, S. Farias Neto, and W. Silva, Heat and mass transfer in porous materials with complex geometry: fundamentals and applications, In Heat and mass transfer in porous media ,Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, pp. 161-185, 2012.
[13] D. C. C. Martínez, C. L. Zuluaga, A. Restrepo-Osorio, and C. Álvarez-López, Characterization of sericin obtained from cocoons and silk yarns, Procedia engineering, Vol.200, pp. 377-383, 2017.
[14] M. Mondal, K. Trivedy, and K. S. NIRMAL, The silk proteins, sericin and fibroin in silkworm, Bombyx mori Linn,a review,‏ 2007.
[15] M. Padamwar, and A. Pawar, Silk sericin and its applications: A review, 2004.
[16] T. Sen, and H. J. Reddy, Application of sisal, bamboo, coir and jute natural composites in structural upgradation, International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 , pp.186,‏2011.
[17] D. Gon, K. Das, P. Paul, and S. Maity, Jute composites as wood substitute, International Journal of Textile Science, Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 84-93, 2012.
[18] P. V. Domke, and V. D. Mude, Natural fiber reinforced building materials, IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 2320-2334, 2015.
[19]S. Rwawiire, B. Tomkova, J. Militky, L. Hes, and B. M. Kale, Acoustic and thermal properties of a cellulose nonwoven natural fabric (barkcloth), Applied acoustics, Vol. 116, pp. 177-183, 2017.
[20] E. Y. Nakanishi, M. R. Cabral, P. de Souza Gonçalves, V. dos Santos, and H. S. Junior, Formaldehyde-free particleboards using natural latex as the polymeric binder, Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 195, pp. 1259-1269, 2018.
[21] D. A. L. Silva, F. A. R. Lahr, L. D. Varanda, A. L. Christoforo, and A. R. Ometto, Environmental performance assessment of the melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) re-sin manufacture: a case study in Brazil,  Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 96, pp. 299-307, 2015.
[22] T. Salthammer, S. Mentese, and R. Marutzky, Formaldehyde in the indoor environment, Chemical reviews, Vol. 110, No. 4, pp. 2536-2572, 2010.
[23] S. Pujari, A. Ramakrishna, and K. T. Balaram Padal, Investigations on thermal conductivities of jute and banana fiber reinforced epoxy composites, Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series D, Vol. 98, No. 1, pp. 79-83,‏ 2017.

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 08 March 2022
  • Revise Date: 24 June 2022
  • Accept Date: 21 August 2022

Share

How to cite

Statistics