Sustainable Herbo-foam concrete with soap nut and coco-peat: Properties and thermal modelling

This study explores the benefits of foam concrete, focusing on its lightweight, workability, and thermal resistance, making it suitable for insulation and partition walls. Foam concrete was developed using synthetic and natural foaming agents, with sand replaced by treated coco-peat at 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. Soap nut extract served as a natural foaming agent, and coco-peat was treated with 4% NaOH for better compatibility. Results showed enhanced thermal insulation with coco-peat, reducing thermal conductivity and lowering interior temperatures by 3 K at 312.15 K external temperature. Sound absorption improved, particularly at 7.5% and 10% replacements, while 5% replacement yielded the highest compressive strength of 19.18 MPa. Although water absorption increased due to coco-peat's properties, durability and acoustic performance improved. Analytical modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics validated these findings, emphasizing its potential in energy-efficient construction. • Foam concrete made with natural foaming agents shows excellent quality and strength. • Adding coco-peat improves foam concrete's compressive strength and performance. • Panels with coco-peat replacement provide better thermal insulation properties. • Coco-peat addition significantly enhances foam concrete's sound absorption ability