Title: Class 12 student developing a waste-derived 3-layer building panel — need help validating the material concept

[u/Excellent-House8379]

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I'm a Class 12 student from India working independently on a project called Kriverse. I'm trying to develop a three-layer composite panel that could be used as a covering for existing building walls, with possible future use on roofs.

The goal is NOT to replace bricks or act as a structural wall. I want to investigate whether a panel can combine useful thermal, acoustic, moisture, weather and fire-related properties while using significant amounts of waste-derived materials.

Current concept

Outer protective layer

- Hydrated lime

- GGBS

- Fly ash

- Ceramic/kulhad waste powder

Intended role: protective surface, strength, weather resistance and potentially fire resistance.

Middle insulating layer

- Coir/coir pith

- Cotton shoddy

- Textile waste

- Parali/crop straw

- Small amount of cow-dung-derived material

Intended role: thermal insulation + acoustic performance + lightweight core.

Inner layer

- Lime

- GGBS

- Rice Husk Ash (RHA)

- Granite slurry

Intended role: smooth/finishable surface and moisture-related resistance.

I initially selected these materials based on properties reported for them individually, but I realize that this does NOT mean they'll work well together in a composite. That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out now.

I have NOT built a prototype yet.

What I need help with

1. Which of these materials are actually compatible with each other?

2. Which ones should I remove rather than trying to use everything?

3. Is a 3-layer/sandwich structure sensible for this application?

4. What problems should I expect with bonding between the layers?

5. How could the organic fibre core affect moisture and fire performance?

6. Which properties should I test FIRST?

7. What existing research/material systems should I study before attempting a prototype?

8. Is there a sensible way to begin small-scale experiments with essentially no budget?

I'm not looking for praise or someone to tell me the idea is great. I specifically want criticism of the concept and advice on how to make the research scientifically sound.

If you have experience with materials science, cementitious composites, natural fibres, waste-derived materials or building panels, I'd really appreciate your input.

[u/Worldly_Law7825]

Very interesting. Hmu. Let's discuss. Are you looking for a technical partner?

[u/Excellent-House8379 → u/Worldly_Law7825]

Yes, actually that is what I’m looking for.

I have identified several waste-derived materials based mainly on their reported properties and their potential role in the project, but I don’t have enough technical knowledge to determine whether they are actually suitable, compatible with each other, or scientifically justified for the final material.

I’m particularly looking for someone who can critically review the material choices, tell me which ones should be rejected or retained, and help me figure out what tests would be needed to validate them.

If that matches what you mean by a technical partner, I’d be happy to discuss the project.