Innovative selection of bio-based materials for developing fire-retardant composites for ceiling solutions

Abstract The growing need for environmentally friendly, fire-resistant construction materials has driven interest in bio-based composites made from natural and recycled materials. In the present work, five bio-based composite ceiling panels were developed with recycled textile fibers and as functional additives, namely: eggshell powder, banana peel, spinach extract, green apple extract, and egg yolk. Sodium silicate and polyvinyl acetate (Fevicol), which act as binders in the system, were compared for their effect on thermal stability and flame retardancy. The composites were evaluated for thermal conductivity, tensile strength, thermogravimetric degradation, flammability (UL-94 HB), as well as resistance to a local heat source (∼900 °C). These results indicate that the bricks with sodium-silicate-based systems have fire and structural performance (fire resistance, load-deflection relationship) far superior to Fevicol-based panels. The best performing composition-Eggshell/cornstarch/recycled fiber with sodium silicate had the highest degradation temperature (515 °C), longest high-temperature deformation resistance time (t ≥ 900 s), and achieved complete non-ignition under the flame action. The results emphasize the possibility of using low-cost and fire-resistant ceiling materials incorporating waste/hydrated lime/novel organic-based adhesive for good performance concerning long-term applications, simplicity of execution, and economic viability.