Mechanical, thermal, and acoustical studies on natural alternative material for partition walls: A novel experimental investigation

Abstract The construction industry shows great interest in the use of technologically advanced materials which are light, environmentally friendly, possess high strength and durability for floors, roofs, partitions, etc. Apart from mechanical properties, the material should also possess excellent thermal and acoustic properties. In the same context, the aim of this study is to explore the flexural‐strength, thermal‐conductivity, flame resistance, and sound‐absorption capabilities of natural based material made with jute fiber and agglomerated cork. The natural based partition wall (jute board [JB]) was manufactured using vacuum bag molding process. Other alternative materials used in this study for comparison are gypsum and particle boards. A flexural test was carried out and it was observed that the JB has 80% of higher flexural strength than other test samples. It is also having lower thermal conductivity of 52.8% and 43.3% than gypsum and particle board, respectively. The JB have 35% and 10% higher sound absorption capabilities than gypsum and particle board, respectively. This is attributed to the multi‐scale arrangement and cellular structure of jute fiber and cork material. This study recommends that, if flame resistance of jute fiber is enhanced with help of flame retardants, JB that is, jute/cork sandwich panel could be an environmentally appealing alternative answer for use in the construction of partition walls.