Comparative Analysis of Optimized Sustainable Leaf Insulation Tiles and Polystyrene for Enhanced Thermal Performance

Written by Claire Shi

Research Abstract:

Polystyrene insulation materials like Styrofoam are major contributors to microplastic emissions, posing significant environmental and health risks. Their popular use in construction raises concerns regarding their sustainability. This research investigates a sustainable alternative to polystyrene insulation using upcycled fallen leaves from oak trees (OT), maple trees (MT), and birch trees (BT). Leaf insulation tiles were produced through hydro-immersion, boiling, grinding, and chemical treatments with varying hydrochloric acid, glycerin, and sodium hydroxide concentrations and volumes. The resulting paste was molded into tiles, baked, and dried. These tiles' thermal insulation properties and toxic gas emission levels were compared with conventional Styrofoam using unique Arduino systems. Temperature difference (ΔT) measurements from 2 cm thick OT, MT, and BT tiles of chemical ratio 1.0  N HCl/6 mL HCl/10 mL glycerin/300 μL were 43 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees Celsius, and 38 degrees Celsius, respectively, indicating favorable results compared to 2 cm thick styrofoam at 37 degrees Celsius. Toxic gas emissions measured at 300 seconds for OT, MT, and BT were 140 ppm, 55 ppm, and 161 ppm, compared to styrofoam’s 90 ppm. Notably, the most successful trial with a greater temperature difference and less toxic gas emissions was Study 6 of chemical ratio 1.0  N HCl/2 mL HCl/10 mL glycerin/300 μL NaOH with a 36 degrees Celsius temperature difference and toxic gas emissions of 91 ppm. As proof of concept research, these findings indicate that leaf insulation tiles have comparable insulation properties to Styrofoam while offering significant environmental benefits.