Hydrophobic thermal insulation material designed from hazelnut shells, pinecone, paper and sheep wool

Abstract

This study aimed to produce a construction composite material that is environmentally friendly, easily accessible, inexpensive and renewable and provides thermal and water insulation. Waste papers, hazelnut shells, pinecones and sheep wool were used at the production stage. The filling rates of the materials were optimized using the RSM. A hydrophobic surface-active substance was used to reduce water absorbability, microbial activity and mold formation. It was observed that these specimens’ contact angles were 84° to 146°, thermal conductivity were 0.0511 to 0.0861 W/mK and densities were 0.678 to 0.99 g/cm3. As a result of the compressive and flexural strength tests, it was found that the compressive strength of the specimens was very high, the highest compressive strength was found as 32.8093 N/mm2 in the specimen N25, and the highest flexure strength was found as 6.352 N/mm2 in the specimen N20. A completely environment-friendly, biodegradable and low-cost material was produced out of biomass wastes.