The Application of Solid Waste in Thermal Insulation Materials: A Review

Abstract

As socioeconomic development continues, the issue of building energy consumption has attracted significant attention, and improving the thermal insulation performance of buildings has become a crucial strategic measure. Simultaneously, the application of solid waste in insulation materials has also become a hot topic. This paper reviews the sources and classifications of solid waste, focusing on research progress in its application as insulation materials in the domains of daily life, agriculture, and industry. The research shows that incorporating household solid waste materials, such as waste glass, paper, and clothing scraps into cementitious thermal insulation can significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of the materials, leading to excellent thermal insulation properties. Insulation materials prepared from agricultural solid waste, such as barley straw, corn stalk, chicken feather, and date palm fibers, possess characteristics of lightweight and strong thermal insulation. Industrial solid waste, including waste tires, iron tailings, and coal bottom ash, can also be utilized in the preparation of insulation materials. These innovative applications not only have positive environmental significance by reducing waste emissions and resource consumption, but also provide efficient and sustainable insulation solutions for the construction industry. However, to further optimize the mix design and enhance the durability of insulation materials, continuous research is required to investigate the mechanisms through which solid waste impacts the performance of insulation materials.