Abstract
The article presents the results obtained in the course of a study on prospective application of flax/hemp wastes as a filling material of lime-based composites in the construction of low-energy buildings. The utilized filler comprised the hydrated lime with clay and Portland cement used as additives. The analysis involved evaluation of such properties as porosity, density, thermal conductivity, absorptivity, permeability, as well as compressive and flexural strength. Depending on the quantity of the filler, the properties of the composite changed. This, in turn, enabled to evaluate whether the utilized composite met the thermal requirements established for low-energy buildings. Afterwards, the obtained data were cross-referenced with the results gathered in the case of a room built of autoclaved aerated concrete. In order to prevent reaching the critical surface humidity, the internal surface temperature had to be calculated. Moreover, the chances of interstitial condensation occurring in the wall made of the analyzed lime–flax–hemp composite were determined as well. The study showed that the composite exhibits low strength, low density, low thermal conductivity, and high absorptivity. The external walls made of the lime–flax–hemp composite receive a limited exposure to condensation, but not significant enough to constitute any threat. The requirements established for low-energy buildings can be met by using the analyzed composite.
Highlights
One of the basic principles of sustainable development mandates that the impact of the construction sector on the environment should be decreased [1,2,3,4]
Thermal insulation boards can be manufactured using materials derived from such plants as flax, hemp [8], or sunflower [9]
Natural binders, including lime [14] or clay [15] are often used in conjunction with the filling materials
Summary
One of the basic principles of sustainable development mandates that the impact of the construction sector on the environment should be decreased [1,2,3,4]. In order to achieve that aim, it is necessary to employ environmentally-friendly solutions, such as the materials derived from plants that absorbed CO2 throughout their growth period [5,6,7]. These materials are capable of mitigating the environmental impact of other components, such as Portland cement, the manufacturing process of which involves substantial CO2 emissions. Thermal insulation boards can be manufactured using materials derived from such plants as flax, hemp [8], or sunflower [9] Utilizing these plants for the production of loose fibers requires no additional processing. The obtained composite is used for building walls or insulating roof sand floors
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