Abstract
The current trend for sustainable utilisation of limited resources is stimulating the scientific research for previously neglected raw materials that could also be used for new value added products. Bark, which is a natural insulation material of trees, could be used as technical insulation material. This paper focuses on the effects of particle orientation in light larch (Larix decidua) bark insulation boards on their physical–mechanical and thermal properties. The experimental design is based on the variation of the particle orientation (orthogonal or parallel to the panel plane) and the board density (200–500 kg/m3). The mechanical properties, water absorption, thickness swelling and thermal conductivity of the boards were tested. The results showed a significant influence of the particle orientation and the density on the measured properties of the bark panels. This implies that the bark particle orientation is an important factor when producing insulation panels with specific characteristics. Suggestions for efficient use of bark particleboard are given.
Highlights
In recent years, sustainable and resource-efficient use of raw materials has become more and more important
There is a strong increase in the use of wood for energy production, which intensifies the competition for the available resources, and as a result prices increase (Paulitsch and Barbu 2015)
All boards were produced from larch (L. decidua) bark particles, with a particle size between 10 and 30 mm (Fig. 1), and a moisture content (MC) of 8%. 50 g of particles were taken from the bark pile randomly
Summary
Sustainable and resource-efficient use of raw materials has become more and more important. There is a strong increase in the use of wood for energy production, which intensifies the competition for the available resources, and as a result prices increase (Paulitsch and Barbu 2015). Due to this fact, the use of tree bark as raw material is pushed by industry and research (Naundorf et al 2004; Pásztory et al 2016). Bark is the outer layer of a tree, consisting of phloem and periderm, the latter is made up by phellem, phellogen and phelloderm.
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