Upcycling Coconut Fibers into High-Performance Insulation for Tropical Buildings

Tropical climates, such as that of the Dominican Republic, face persistent challenges in moderating heat gain and ambient noise within the residential sector, often relying on energy-intensive air conditioning systems and imported mineral insulators. This study evaluates the technological feasibility of rigid insulation panels made from coconut husk fibers, an abundant regional agro-residue, bonded with a water-based latex–polyvinyl acetate (PVA) system. The panel achieved a thermal conductivity of 0.160 W/m·K, airborne sound attenuation of 25 dB, and flexural strength of 4.7 MPa, demonstrating its suitability for direct mechanical anchoring on masonry walls. Environmental assessment revealed an embodied energy of 1,169 MJ/m2 and carbon footprint of 35.25 kg CO2/m2, representing reductions of 85% and 70% compared to conventional mineral wool. These results support the potential of coconut fiber insulation as a low-carbon, high-performance material aligned with passive design strategies in hot–humid regions.