Thermotechnical and technological aspects of insulation and building materials from renewable raw materials

In two research projects investigations were accomplished for the use of renewable raw materials in building construction. In the first project (promoted by the Agency of Renewable Resources; FNR) fibres from plants, animals and the recycling range were examined due to their characteristics for insulation. It could be stated that different fibres can be used as insulation material. With their use the energy consumption and CO2-Emissionen can be lowered. The examined insulating materials can be still improved. The tests to the dampness behavior, with consideration of the fire protection salts, showed an existing potential to a possible decrease of the fire salt quantity and thus a reduction of material costs and a discharge of the environment by a later disposal. The investigations in the second project (promoted by the DBU) for the development of Light Natural Sandwich materials from renewable raw materials showed, that raw materials are suitable for the production of high-quality materials which can compete with conventional materials. The production of core materials could be improved during the project within all fields. In the investigations tests for the building physics properties, including the problematic of the dampness behavior, were included. The usefulness of the materials could be confirmed. The materials manufactured from the core materials can be used in many fields, e.g. furniture, building of fairs, basis for solar heat collectors, surfboards and tail units for wind-powered devices.