Development of cellular construction material-based flax shives: Physico-mechanical and thermal characterisation

Abstract

The reduction of energy consumption in construction, production of thermal insulation materials, and the solution of environmental problems by recycling by-product derived several industrial sectors are becoming greater problems. In this context, vegetable by-products are an excellent alternative product to substitute mineral aggregates because they are easily available and renewable low-cost raw materials, and have higher advantage for economy and environment concerns. The viability of using vegetable materials such as flax shives for developing a sustainable Lightweight Cellular Construction Material (LCCM) is investigated in this paper. The produced material containing different volumes of flax shives (0V (control specimen), 1V, and 2V) was lightened by creating a porous structure in the matrix through a chemical reaction between Aluminium powder and free lime from pre-formulated Tradical PF70 binder. A study conducted on hardened material properties has indicated a significant reduction in sample unit weight, thereby resulting in a level of compressive strength compatible with a load-bearing wall. The reduction in flexural strength was lower than that in compressive strength. This study has also highlighted the effect of the porous structure on the thermal conductivity that lead to provide a high degree of thermal insulation. These results show that the cellular material based on flax particle can be used as suitable insulated load-bearing walls.