Introduction:

This article introduces the utilization of denim waste, obtained from local denim companies located in the city of Saltillo, state of Coahuila, Mexico, as a material for thermal insulation for dwellings. The material was shaped into panels, ensuring their functionality in such a way that dwelling residents may experience a reduction in their use of electricity by means of an insulating system that can withstand extreme outdoor temperatures, therefore, generating greater physical comfort for the dweller.

Method:

Each prototype was exposed to the heat produced by a set of incandescent light bulbs placed directly over the external surfaces. They were monitored for 22 hours and the heat absorption, both in their outer and inner surface, was carefully recorded with the use of thermocouples. The final temperature results were registered by using a thermographic camera.

Results:

The panels presented a variation of thermal efficiency of up to 66 %, compared to materials such as the CEB (Compressed Earth Block) and up to 75 % compared with the concrete block, the difference in temperature results between the panels was affected by factors like the thickness and quantity of the used material. These values allowed the selection of the most suitable panel considering that the thermal delay time was up to 20 % more efficiently, allowing to choose the panel that was displayed to have better performance.

Conclusion:

The insulation developed with denim waste proved capable of withstanding extreme temperature conditions. Such findings may translate into improved living conditions, for the residents of Saltillo, with the promise of better indoor temperatures. The resulting material can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures in the summer, and warmer during the winter. Also, the prototypes consume less energy resources because they´re produced from waste that is not used in any other area today and reduce pollution by the excessive industrial scrap.

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