Thesis (BS Architecture) University of the Philippines Mindanao, 2019

The study incorporated agro-waste products including coconut fiber and rice husk ash in the production of drywall panel board, specifically fiber cement board. Coconut fiber was used as a substitute for aggregates and rice hush ash or RHA was used as an additional binder and substituted for a ratio of cement. The focus of the study was to explore the acoustical and thermal properties of the said material. This includes its sound absorption properties, soundproofing or sound transmission properties, thermal conductivity properties, and thermal resistivity properties. Other properties such as physical properties and mechanical properties were also explored. These properties include water absorption properties, moisture absorption properties, fire resistivity properties, and flexural strength properties. Four (4) formulations were done and tested. namely F-1, F-2, F-3, and F-4. Among the four formulations, F-1 was the formulation with the best properties. With regards to its acoustical properties, it has a NRC Rating of 38 and STC Rating of 40. With its thermal insulation properties, F-1 has a thermal conductivity value (K) of 0.24 and thermal resistivity value (R) of 0.24. All of the formulations have significant values for water and moisture absorptivity. With the fire resistivity properties, it is concluded that the larger the ratio of fibers, the least fire resistive the product. Based on all the research findings, the drywall product is recommended to be applicable on different areas as interior wall partition because it is not vulnerable to water and moisture absorption. For further research, formulations with variety of length of coconut fibers can be explored if its length can affect its properties.