Abstract
Mineral wool made from basalt fibers is frequently used as an insulating material in construction systems. In this study, both unused mineral wool and wool obtained from the softened roofing area were comprehensively analyzed in a laboratory using different characterization techniques. Firstly, the initial water content and compressive strength at 10% deformation were determined. Secondly, microstructure and surface chemical composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). To study heterogeneities near the fiber surface and to examine cross-sectional composition, a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) was used. Finally, to verify possible reasons for resin degradation, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning colometry (TGA-DSC) were simultaneously carried out. The results show that natural aging under high humidity and thermal fluctuations greatly affected the surface morphology and chemical composition of the fibrous composite. Phenol-formaldehyde and other hydrophobic compounds that protect fibers against moisture and give compressive resistance were found to be degraded.
Highlights
There are many different thermal insulation materials available for ensuring better energy efficiency of construction systems
The roofing structure consisted of several layers: On the top was a 1.2 mm thick polyvinyl chloride with plasticizer (PVC-P) waterproofing layer; under that was a 200 mm thick thermal insulation of mineral wool made from basalt fibers with a density of 160 kg/m3, followed by a Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW
The results show that the presence of moisture in insulation over time had a high impact on the compressive strength of mineral wool made from basalt fibers
Summary
There are many different thermal insulation materials available for ensuring better energy efficiency of construction systems. Thermal and hygrometric performance varies with the type of insulation used, and depends on the inner material structure and composition [1,2]. Mineral wool is one of the most frequently used insulating fibrous composites in the construction industry [3]. When basalt fibers are used as the hardening phase, mineral wool has an extremely uneven and porous microstructure with good fiber/resin adhesion that provides excellent insulating performance [4]. As seen from building practice, temperature, moisture, and frost formation can greatly affect the thermal and mechanical properties of insulating materials that are used in flat or pitched roof boards, facades, and foundations [5]. Most studies have focused on laboratory measurements of the accelerated aging of new insulating materials under temperature and moisture conditions close
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