Physical Characterization of Non-Woven Treated and Untreated Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Layered by Fibreglass as an Interior Insulation Material

Palm empty fruit bunch (PEFB) fibres hold potential as a natural material for insulation, offering an alternative to the commonly used fibreglass in HVAC system ducting. Fibreglass (FG) in commercial insulation materials contributes to issues such as unpleasant environmental noise, which can have harmful effects on communication, health and overall quality of life. This study aims to prepare nonwoven untreated and treated PEFB with FG at different ratios using a silane coupling agent treatment. The nonwoven materials are produced through a combination of a needle punching machine and hot compress technique and various characteristics, including thermal decomposition, functional groups, thermal conductivity and water contact angles, are examined.