SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF HYBRID PLASTIC ROOFING TILE COMPOSITES FOR ENHANCED REDUCTION OF THERMAL LOAD

Abstract

The novel ‘plastile’ composite roofing tiles (8 × 8 × 1.3 cm3) are prepared using a three-step controlled compression process. The developed tiles are having an inner core section of metal oxide layer encased by the hybrid plastic material. The metal oxides collected were analysed and treated and the properties of the powder samples were managed. The prepared tiles have a bulk thermal conductivity value of 0.25W/mK and minimum to zero water absorption making it a highly suitable material for roofing applications on residential buildings. The thermal performance test of hybrid ‘plastile’ roofing tiles is conducted using a guarded hot plate experiment, plotting the performance values. The study is expected to provide insight into the potential areas of developed hybrid ‘plastile’ roofing tiles for various insulation/air conditioning applications. This will help further research activities in this aspect to reduce the final cost of the product thereby adding value to society.