Bio-Wastes as Aggregates for Eco-Efficient Boards and Panels: Screening Tests of Physical Properties and Bio-Susceptibility

Eleonora Cintura,Lina Nunes,Marta Duarte,Paulina Faria

doi:10.3390/infrastructures7030026

Abstract

Screening tests were developed or adapted from RILEM recommendations, standards and past studies, and carried out to characterize some agro-industrial wastes and to assess their feasibility as aggregates for eco-efficient building composites. Spent coffee grounds, grape and olive press waste and hazelnut shells were used, as well as maritime pine chips as control material. Particle size distribution, loose bulk density, thermal conductivity and hygroscopicity properties were analysed. The selected bio-wastes did not show good thermal insulation properties if compared with some bio-wastes already studied and used for thermal insulation composites. Values of loose bulk density and thermal conductivity were between 325.6–550.5 kg/m3 and 0.078–0.107 W/(m·K); moisture buffering values higher than 2.0 g/(m2·%RH). Biological susceptibility to mould and termites were also tested, using not yet standardized methods. The low resistance to biological attack confirms one of the greatest drawbacks of using bio-wastes for building products. However, final products properties may be changed by adding other materials, pre-treatments of the wastes and the production process.

Highlights

The global climate is changing as a consequence of human activity and the problem has become so serious that the European Commission is calling for a climate-neutral Europe by2050 [1]
The results demonstrate that the finer are the particles, the higher is the thermal conductivity
This study investigated the properties of some bio-wastes, available in Euro-Mediterranean countries, to evaluate the feasibility of using them as aggregates for composite boards and panels

Summary

Introduction

The global climate is changing as a consequence of human activity and the problem has become so serious that the European Commission is calling for a climate-neutral Europe by2050 [1]. The urgent need for more sustainable building practices is leading to increased research focused on the production, transport and use of building materials that can be shown to have a lower impact on the environment [5,6]. In this context, eco-friendly insulation materials and composites emerge as an interesting solution. Eco-friendly insulation materials and composites emerge as an interesting solution They can reduce energy consumption, mitigate the production of harmful wastes, reduce the waste volumes to manage and passively control hygrothermal conditions, improving indoor air quality and comfort [7,8]

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