Thermo-Mechanical Properties of a Wood Fiber Insulation Board Using a Bio-Based Adhesive as a Binder

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to develop a low-density thermal insulation board using wood fibers and a bio-based adhesive as a binder, which was prepared from a crude glycerol and citric acid mixture. The physical and mechanical properties of insulation boards manufactured using two ratios of crude glycerol and citric acid (1:0.66 and 1:1 mol/mol) and two adhesive contents (14% and 20%) were evaluated. The results show that the insulation boards with a range of density between 332 to 338 kg m−3 present thermal conductivity values between 0.064 W/m-K and 0.066 W/m-K. The effect of adhesive content was very significant for certain mechanical properties (tensile strength perpendicular to surface and compressive strength). The tensile strength (internal bond) increased between 20% and 36% with the increased adhesive content. In contrast, the compressive strength decreased between 7% and 15%. The thermo-mechanical properties obtained of insulation boards such as thermal conductivity, traverse strength, tensile strength parallel and perpendicular to surface, and compressive strength are in accordance with the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials C208-12 standard for different uses. The results confirm the potential of crude glycerol and citric acid mixture to be used as an adhesive in the wood fiber insulation boards’ manufacturing for sustainability purposes.

On the Feasibility of a pMDI-Reduced Production of Wood Fiber Insulation Boards by Means of Kraft Lignin and Ligneous Canola Hulls

“…So far, only marginal efforts have been made to investigate natural adhesives for the production of wood fiber insulation boards to produce more natural and sustainable products. Examples in this context are enzymatic activation of wood fibers [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], protein adhesive based on blood albumin [ 10 ] or an adhesive based on crude glycerol and citric acid [ 11 ].…”

Estimation of Thermal Properties of Straw-Based Insulating Panels

“…The production processes of the building materials significantly increase the carbon footprint of buildings, also due to high energy consumption. The application of natural, renewable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly materials such as wood or agricultural byproducts significantly reduces the amount of waste materials and environmental pollution [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. The most popular natural building materials are wood and annual plants being used as structural and/or insulation materials.…”

Preparation of Breathable Cellulose Based Polymeric Membranes with Enhanced Water Resistance for the Building Industry

“…Bio-based materials have recently become popular in the building and construction industry due to their insulation and hygroscopic properties [ 10 , 11 ]. Studies have reported that using these materials in construction increases the energy efficiency of the building and provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Some bio-based materials also have the ability to absorb and release moisture with respect to changing relative humidity levels, which can reduce the load on air conditioning and have a positive impact on wellbeing of residents [ 15 , 16 ].…”