Development of thermal insulating materials from corn husk fibres

The demand for sustainable materials in textiles has driven interest in natural fibres with thermal insulation properties. Corn husk, a biodegradable agricultural by-product, is often discarded despite its potential value. This study explores corn husk fibres as a thermal insulation material. Collected husks were cleaned, chemically treated with sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, processed into nonwoven sheets, and tested for surface appearance, thickness, areal density, and heat retention. Results showed that the untreated sample had the greatest thickness and best heat retention, while 5% NaOH treatment produced the best fibre separation and compaction. Strong acid treatments weakened fibres and reduced insulation performance. These findings highlight corn husk fibres as a viable eco-friendly alternative to synthetic insulators.