Comparative analysis of optimized sustainable leaf insulation tiles and polystyrene for enhanced thermal performance

Polystyrene insulation materials like styrofoam are major contributors to microplastic emissions, posing significant environmental and health risks. Their popular use in construction raises concerns regarding their sustainability. This research investigates a sustainable alternative to polystyrene insulation using fallen leaves from oak trees (OT), maple trees (MT), and birch trees (BT). Leaf insulation tiles were produced through hydro-immersion, boiling, grinding, and chemical treatments with varying hydrochloric acid, glycerin, and sodium hydroxide concentrations. The resulting paste was molded into tiles, baked, and dried. These tiles' thermal insulation properties and toxic gas emission levels were contrasted with conventional styrofoam using unique Arduino systems. Temperature difference measurements from 2 cm thick OT, MT, and BT tiles were 43 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees Celsius, and 38 degrees Celsius, respectively, indicating favorable results compared to 1 cm thick styrofoam at 10 degrees Celsius and closely matching 2 cm thick styrofoam at 37 degrees Celsius. Toxic gas emissions measured at 300 seconds for OT, MT, and BT were 140 ppm, 55 ppm, and 161 ppm compared to styrofoam’s 90 ppm. Notably, increased glycerin concentrations in OT tiles of a subsequent trial had a temperature difference of 36 degrees Celsius and reduced gas emissions to 91 ppm, suggesting the probability of further optimization. As proof of concept research, these findings indicate that leaf insulation tiles have comparable insulation properties to styrofoam while likely offering significant environmental benefits. Ongoing optimization and data collection aims to validate these findings of a viable, sustainable alternative to traditional insulation.