WOOD FIBER INSULATION MATERIAL

As worldwide trends are changing gradually and sustainable resources economy and reduction of hazardous emissions are coming to the forefront, several industry sectors are forced to revalue their resource consumption. The main emphasis is currently placed on the recycling of by-products. One of the methods, definitely, includes burning of by-products to generate power, however it is not always the most efficient one. By-products must be used in the manner that ensures that they provide high added value for the operation of the company and are environmentally friendly. This research focuses on the use of the by-products of birch (Betula) veneer manufacturing, in order to obtain thermal insulation material. The following characteristics of the wood fiber insulation material were determined: thermal conductivity, water absorption, vapour permeability, and prototype reaction to fire. The characteristics of the obtained wood fiber thermal insulation material: thermal conductivity 0.038 W.m(-1).k(-1); water absorption 12 kg.m(-2); the conformity of the material even to D fire reaction class was not determined. The principal conclusion: the wood fiber thermal insulation material conforms to the requirements set for thermal insulation materials.