BIOCOMPOSITE INSULATION MATERIALS

BIOCOMPOSITE INSULATION MATERIALS Analysis and comparison of the composition, implementation and properties of biocomposite materials like light earth, straw-lime, hempcrete and olive pit mixes when used as insulation materials for the creation of low carbon footprint breathable building envelopes. Case study: La Termitiere project. The building envelope, consisting of foundation, slab, walls, roof, doors and glazing, is amongst the most substantial elements in a construction because of its direct influence on the users comfort and health.The insulation material is an element of the building envelope whose properties responsible for most of the indoor comfort levels. The technologic solutions mostly consider the thermal and acoustic properties of the insulation materials, being these the principal reasons insulation is applied in buildings. Although, other indicators that influence the building occupants comfort like the indoor air quality and relative humidity levels together with the environmental impact of the materials require certain attention. The building construction industry is one of the global major sources of pollution, which is why the building occupant salubrity and the construction materials carbon footprint are becoming more important every day in the construction world. For this reason, a breathable building envelopes which have high performing thermal and acoustic insulation properties and are vapour permeable, waterproof and windproof have exceptional impact on the habitants comfort. They operate as an indoor air quality and humidity regulator and have good thermal storage qualities In modern days, the building insulation has been communelly done using conventional insulation materials, which are characterized by a widespread use, industrialized processing and monetary costs. They are well integrated on the global supply chain and they are extensively used without considering the local needs, while having a low-cost production because of the mass manufacturing. Some of the most common conventional insulation materials are fiberglass, polystyrene, mineral wool, polyurethane, multi-foils etc. This thesis is concentrated in analysing the composition, the implementation techniques and the properties of some biocomposite materials which can be used as building insulation and are excellent candidates for the construction of a breathing building envelope. Biocomposite materials are aggregate materials created by a matrix and a reinforcement of natural fibers. The chosen materials are the following: The light earth composite, created from a mix between straw stems and earth The straw-lime composite, a mixture of straw stems and lime putty The hempcrete composite, produced by mixing hemp shiv and a lime binder, normally natural hydraulic lime Crushed and deoiled olive pits mixed with a various binders in order to find an adequate application for this material as an insulation or screeding material These materials will be compared in terms of performance, availability, environmental impact, flexibility and application possibilities, monetary cost etc. By comparing their characteristics, this thesis aims to define when the use of these materials can be the most suitable solution.