Mechanical and physical properties of industrial hemp-based insulation materials
Abstract:
This study compares the thermal insulator properties of industrial hemp with wood-based materials. The hemp shives were processed to produce hemp fibreboards, using urea-formaldehyde resin. Characteristics tested included density, swelling, screw withdrawal resistance, tensile and building strength.
Key Findings:
Fibreboards made by the dry method were denser than those made by the wet method
Hemp particle boards had higher swelling and water absorption rates compare to wood particleboards
Hemp particle boards exhibited the highest average tensile strength
Fibreboards made by the dry method were airtight, while hemp fibreboard was less airtight than hemp particleboard but more airtight than wood particle board
Hemp shows great promise as an insulating material but more research and development must be done to enhance its building properties
Correspondence:
Heikko Kallakas
Laboratory of Wood Technology, Department of Materials and Environmental Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajee tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
Email: heikko.kallakas@ttu.ee
Kallakas, H. et al. (2018). Mechanical and physical properties of industrial hemp-based insulation materials. Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, 67 (2), 183.
