Characterization of eco-friendly polyurethane foam composites with bagasse and rice husk waste for thermal insulation applications
			
	
 
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				1
				Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
Lhokseumawe, 24301, Indonesia
				 
			 
						
				2
				National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta 55861
				 
			 
						
				3
				Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26300
				 
			 
										
				
				
			
			These authors had equal contribution to this work
			 
		 		
				
		
		 
			
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
	
							
					    		
    			 
    			
    				    					Corresponding author
    					    				    				
    					Indra  Mawardi   
    					Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
Lhokseumawe, 24301, Indonesia
    				
 
    			
				 
    			 
    		 		
			
																																																				 
		
	 
		
 
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Reducing the use of petrochemical-based polyurethane foams in thermal insulation applications is necessary to reduce environmental impacts. Natural fibers as fillers have emerged as promising ecological alternatives, promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable material practices. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of eco-friendly polyurethane foam composites containing bagasse fiber (BF) and rice husk (RH) waste. Rigid polyurethane foam (PUR) composites with BF and RH waste particles were prepared at different filler loading levels (20%, 30%, and 40%). Density, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, thermal stability, and morphology of the composites were evaluated. The results showed that the density of PUR composites with BF and RH particles increased with increasing filler addition. Higher composite density led to increased thermal conductivity. The mechanical properties, bending strength, and bending modulus of PUR composites with BF and RH were lower than those of pure PUR and decreased further with filler content. However, combining both fillers increased the mechanical properties by up to 172%. Thermal conductivity analysis indicated that thermal resistance decreases as filler content increases. However, the thermal conductivity values (0.0275–0.0393 W/mK) demonstrate competitive performance comparable to conventional insulation materials while supporting sustainability through waste utilization and reduced PUR consumption. This material shows strong potential as a thermal insulation solution for buildings and sustainable construction, particularly in regions with abundant agricultural waste.