Project Overview

Design Problem

Most structural insulation paneling is made from nonrenewable resources including polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam. These products are harmful to the environment and are used widely throughout the construction industry. The components for these products are made of mostly oil and no renewable alternatives are readily available.

Design Constraints

The resulting material must be a bio-based product. The project must also be completed within a very short timespan (about ten weeks.)

Preexisting Solutions

Polyurethane sprays exist in the construction market to insulate residential and commercial structures. This is not a great solution because polyurethane is known to be susceptible to microbial degradation.
 

Design Goal

     To create a strong, durable panel with good insulation properties. This panel will be bio-based and made from materials that are significantly "greener" than preexisting solutions. This panel will include a film which will be developed and applied onto a pre-manufactured foam core. This film will add to the durability of the foam core.

Project Deliverables

To create and submit a bio-based panel that meets all of the design constraints as well as as many of the design goals as possible. Proceeding the development and construction of the panel a detailed lab report will be presented (containing full test reulsts of the panel’s performance under varying conditions.)

Project Schedule (Tentative)
Week 1 begins on 2 April 2012

·       Week 1 – Website development

·       Week 2 – Initial project research

·       Week 3 – Project plan finalized

·       Week 4 – Materials purchased, begin design process

·       Week 5 – Assemble panel(s)

·       Week 6 – Assemble panel(s)

·       Week 7 – Initial design tests, data collection

·       Week 8 – Analyze data, make changes to design (if necessary)

·       Week 9 – Final tests (if necessary), compile data, prepare final report

·       Week 10 – Present results

Projected Budget 

The budget is pending. The group is waiting for a response from the supplier of the materials (NatureWorks) for costs of the PLA pellets.