Thermal insulation panels from tree bark

Abstract

To reduce the energy consumption of buildings, natural-based insulation materials are being investigated today. The annual million tones amount of bark waste allows it to be used as an alternative material with the least impact on the environment. Various additives are being investigated to improve the physical and mechanical properties of bark insulation panels. In this study, the mechanical, physical, thermal properties of 11 types of composite insulating panels from the bark of the Pannуnia poplar (Populus x euramericana cv. Pannonia) were manufactured and investigated. The bark panels were supplemented and reinforced by short glass fibers, overlaying fibreglass mesh, fibreglass mat and fibreglass woven fabric and two types of paper, as well as an inner glass fiber mesh. The target density of the panels was 350 kg/m[3], and the thermal conductivity of the panels varied from 0.067 to 0.078 W/mK. Although the thermal conductivity of artificial insulation materials is lower, panels made of natural materials have less impact on the environment. Glass fiber reinforcement had little effect on thermal conductivity and mechanical properties. The preliminary heat treatment of the raw material influenced the thermal conductivity due to changing the structure and the appearance of cavities. It had an effect on the density that determines thermal conductivity.