Expanded Perlite-based Light Panels Used as Adsorbents and Insulators against Rapid Evaporation in Subsaharan Countries

Abstract

This chapter focuses on producing light panels using readily available natural resources (expanded perlite, sawdust and wood waste, and vegetable coal) combined with a non-toxic natural resin (resin of the pine). The manufacturing technique enables the production of panels with a variety of colours and modest thicknesses that add visual appeal to waste water treatment facilities while limiting the release of nauseating aromas caused by the anaerobic metabolism of organic materials found in liquid effluents.  Water resources must be regarded as the vital stocks and used with much precaution to ensure fundamental needs to maintain equilibrium in life. Panels are also an effective way to prevent the rapid evaporation of rainwater stored in lakes and dams. The following are the unique characteristics of these panels: Lower density than water, large capacity of adsorption for organic gas matter, composite material acts as a filter in which organic gases are photo oxidised with dioxide titanium involved in the composite material, and these composite materials are basin insulators against solar heating and thus fast evaporation.