Thermal Properties Of Some Selected Materials Used As Ceiling In Building

THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOME SELECTED MATERIALS USED AS CEILING IN BUILDING

Abstract

This study examines the thermal characteristics of PVC, POP, asbestos, and cardboard, which are frequently used as ceiling materials. These thermal parameters, including thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal absorptivity, and density, were assessed using the steady state approach for the Lee’s disc apparatus. According to the thermal conductivity measurements, POP ceilings have the greatest value (0.1314) and card stock has the lowest (0.851), with PVC (0.1083) and asbestos (0.1068) falling in the middle. Additionally, this study’s thermal conductivity measurements fell within the (0.08510.1314w) range, which is consistent with the researchers’ earlier findings. These materials are all effective insulators as a result. The thermal resistivity of these ceiling samples revealed that POP had the lowest value, 7.6103, and asbestos had the highest value, 11.7509, while asbestos and PVC were in the middle. Thermal diffusivity test findings for the ceiling samples revealed that PVC has the highest value, while asbestos has the lowest value, with POP values of 1.20 x and card stock values of 8.0 x falling in between. The thermal absorptivity of these ceiling materials also revealed that asbestos (15.070) and POP (17.407) are in between, with card board ceiling having the highest thermal absorptivity at 21.319 and PVC having the lowest at 7.573. The POP has the highest density value of 979.84 kg/m3, while the PVC has the lowest density value of 203.59 kg/m3, with asbestos’ density value of 824.13 kg/m3 and card stock’s density value of 645.81 kg/m3 falling in the middle. The findings indicated that PVC and asbestos may be superior building insulation materials because of their higher thermal efficiency. According to the study, Cardboard had the lowest thermal efficiency of the samples studied, whereas POP was in the middle. As a result, many consumers of the materials may find this research to be helpful.

Introduction to Chapter One:

1.1 Background to the Study

Materials for ceilings are interior surfaces that hang overhead and can cover a room’s ceiling. Finished surfaces covering the floor of the store above or the underside of the room structure are normally not regarded as structural elements.

Nigerians frequently utilize zinc-made roofs without ceilings, which results in strong heat transfer to the interior environment and the potential for thermal discomfort for occupants (Etuk et al., 2007). The use of radiant barriers that restrict heat flux, such as ceilingboard, is one technique to lessen thermal discomfort.

However, as the heat flow through any building depends on the thermal properties of the materials used in the construction, knowledge of the thermal properties of various materials is crucial when choosing the types of materials to be employed as a radiant barrier (Etuk et al., 2007).

We can determine whether a material is suitable for use as ceiling material in our homes, schools, and workplaces by studying its thermal qualities.

According to George et al. (2010), heat was transmitted into interior spaces of buildings through the roofs, walls, and partially through ceiling panels. This is so because zinc and aluminum, which have high heat conductivities, are frequently employed as roofing sheets (Michael et al., 2012).

Building ceiling materials need to have tolerable thermal reactions in order to lessen the severity of this heat.

Thermal resistance will be high in good insulating materials. This suggests that the thermal properties of various types of ceiling materials will vary.

According to Gesa et al. (2014), an insulator is a substance or device used to reduce or stop the conduction of heat or electricity. Thermal parameters, such as thermal conductivity, thermal absorptivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity, should be taken into consideration when choosing insulating materials (Gesa et al. 2014). Insulators in buildings serve a variety of purposes, including energy conservation, reducing heat gain or loss, maintaining temperature conditions, ensuring the efficient operation of machinery or chemical reactions, helping to keep products at a constant temperature, preventing condensation, creating comfortable surroundings, and protecting personnel. Insulation lessens heat transfer via a building’s shell. Heat naturally moves from a warmer space to a colder space if there is a temperature difference. The heating system must replenish heat lost during the winter, the coldest season of the year, and the cooling system must remove heat obtained during the summer, the hottest season of the year, to maintain comfort. Therefore, it makes sense to research the thermal characteristics of insulators in order to decrease energy gains or losses in buildings and to improve the comfort level in homes, workplaces, and educational institutions.