Soap based thermal insulation: A sustainable alternative to petroleum

Read, L; Arayici, Y

Abstract

The thermal insulation market is dominated by petroleum insulations. A gap has been
identified for the manufacture of “green” insulations. These insulations must perform to the
same levels of heat transfer resistance as their petroleum based counterparts.
Modern petroleum derived insulations can be carcinogenic, toxic to manufacture and release
toxins as they degrade. The majority are not environmentally friendly. The aim of this
research is to create an insulation that combats the above points and addresses the gap
between sustainable and non-sustainable insulations.
This research will address the uncertainties in the alternative insulation validation process,
achieved through experimental research. Soap will be manufactured from lye, animal fats and
oils and aerated to produce soap insulation. These manufactured soap samples will be tested
in both laboratory and real-world settings. Soap insulation could be a useful addition to low
environmental impact insulation and create a foundation for further research to build off.

Citation

Read, L., & Arayici, Y. (2014, April). Soap based thermal insulation: A sustainable alternative to petroleum. Presented at International Postgraduate Research Conference, Salford, UK

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: International Postgraduate Research Conference
• Conference Location: Salford, UK
• Start Date: Apr 8, 2014
• End Date: Apr 10, 2014
• Publication Date: Apr 10, 2013
• Deposit Date: Apr 19, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Keywords: Petroleum Based Thermal Insulation, Soap Based Ther; mal Insulation, Sustainability, Lye,; Oils,
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference