Production and Physical-Mechanical Characterization of Peat Moss (Sphagnum) Insulation Panels.

Günther Kain,Eugenia Mariana Tudor,Thomas Granig,Thomas Schnabel,Alexander Petutschnigg,Marco Morandini,Angela Stamminger

doi:10.3390/ma14216601

Abstract

Peat moss (sphagnum) is a commonly used sealant, fill, and insulation material in the past. During the efforts to rewet drained moors due to ecological considerations, the technical use of peat moss (sphagnum farming) again became the focus of attention. In the framework of this investigation, insulation panels consisting of peat moss, bound with urea formaldehyde, were produced. Panels manufactured in a wet process and mats bound with textiles were also fabricated. The specimens’ thermal conductivity, water vapor diffusion resistance, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, compression resistance, water absorption, and thickness swelling were measured. Physical–mechanical properties were adequate with the resin-bound panels, but not with wet process panels. Moss mats had good characteristics for cavity insulation purposes. The thermal conductivity of the moss panels and mats was found to be lowest with a density of 50 kg/m3, accounting for 0.04 W/m·K. The results show that peat moss is a promising resource for production insulation panels, because their thermal conductivity and mechanical stability are comparable to other insulation materials.

Highlights

The investigation of historic building constructions yields information about traditional work technologies, and brings to light materials which have been preserved over a long period
The sealing of seams in historic wood constructions seems to be of interest from this point of view, because the demand for ecologic and durable gap sealing systems is increasing in the market segment of wooden building constructions
The findings show that peat moss is a very promising resource for the production of insulation materials

Summary

Introduction

The investigation of historic building constructions yields information about traditional work technologies, and brings to light materials which have been preserved over a long period. Under real-life conditions, the performance and functionality of building materials and building constructions can be evaluated. From this point of view, the building cultural heritage represents a long-term experiment with integrated experience knowledge transferred from generation to generation. The sealing of seams in historic wood constructions seems to be of interest from this point of view, because the demand for ecologic and durable gap sealing systems is increasing in the market segment of wooden building constructions. Peat moss (sphagnum) can be found in the gaps of historic wood constructions in the UNESCO world heritage region Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut

Methods

Results

Conclusion