Engineering properties of insulation material made with cotton waste and fly ash

Huge amounts of cotton and fly ash wastes are disposed in countries all over the world. The majority of cotton wastes and fly ash are abandoned. It is a big problem to propose utilization of these by-products from the aspects of disposal, environmental pollution, and health hazards. This paper presents a parametric experimental study which investigates the potential use of cotton waste and fly ash in combination for producing a new low-cost and lightweight composite as a building material. The physical and mechanical properties of concrete mixes containing cotton waste and fly ash are investigated. The compressive strength, flexural strength, unit weight, and water absorption properties of this proposed material conform to relevant standards. The thermal insulation test of the proposed material was also carried out. The cotton waste and fly ash block house has been found to be superior to the concrete block house for sustained comfortable indoor temperatures. The process undertaken can be easily applied in classic brick plants. It yields a lighter weight composite having potential to be used for walls as an economical alternative to concrete blocks, ceiling panels, sound barrier panels, etc.