Corresponding author: yezhabandoliba@gmail.com
This study evaluated the effectiveness of durian (Durio zibethinus) rind fiberboard combined with bentonite clay and corn starch as a sustainable thermal and acoustic insulator. The fiberboard was tested against both commercial insulation and a control (no insulation) setup to assess its capacity to reduce internal temperatures and sound pressure levels. The results indicated that while the fiberboard reduced temperatures and sound levels, the performance in some cases did not significantly surpass that of the commercial insulator. ANOVA and post-hoc tests confirmed statistically significant differences in temperature and sound pressure levels across conditions. However, critical analysis revealed that the practical significance of these differences requires further validation. For temperature reduction, the fiberboard showed a modest improvement over the control, but its performance under real-world conditions remains uncertain. For sound insulation, the fiberboard achieved a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of 0.68, which is promising but below industry benchmarks for high-performance insulators. The study highlights the potential of durian fiberboard as a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for insulation, but further research is necessary to optimize its properties and ensure its effectiveness across different environmental conditions.