Characterization of Local Insulators: Sawdust and Wool of Kapok

The insulation has an important role in the thermal and acoustic applications in particular in the production of cold. Also within the framework of this study, we studied the sawdust and wool of kapok in order to determine insulator best adapted to the manufacture of the cold rooms or the isothermal vats. The synthetic insulators (polyurethane, polystyrene, glass wool or rock) are very effective, but their use especially burdens the price with the systems carried out until now in the countries of the south. The characterization of local materials, vegetable origin for a possible substitution in the systems and the achievements which call upon the insulation, should make it possi ble to save energy in the building, heatin gs w ater, the cold rooms a nd to preserve perishable goods (food, drugs, vaccines…). This study enables us to conclude that one can advantageously use wool of kapok or kapok in the place of heat insulators such as t he polyure thane, polystyrene, glass wool or cork. However the wool of kapok compared has a better conductivity to the sawdust.