Synthesis of biocomposite with different ratios of rapeseed oil binder/wood bark: mechanical and hygrothermal properties

Abstract

Growing economy is a basis of public well-being, and its rapid growth is implemented on the expense of environmental quality; therefore, the harmonization of different aims and interests is one of the most important aspects of sustainable development concept. One of the priorities of sustainable development in Lithuania – the reduction of building and building materials industries’ impact on environment by increasing their eco and energy efficiency; consequently, the use of waste from renewable resources for the synthesis of chemical materials and production of building materials may reduce the usage of limited sources and emission of greenhouse gases. Such waste open up the opportunities to partially or fully replace traditional materials such as petroleum based polymers or cements which production emits many pollutants, uses lots of energy and natural resources. Nowadays, wood and agricultural waste are used for the production of biofuel; however, such heat source provides with short-term benefit. The use of the above mentioned waste materials for the production of bio-based thermal insulating composites would provide with long-term benefit and contribute to the improvement of currently targeted energy performance of buildings. During the study, it was obtained that the ratios of wood bark/rapeseed binder changes the main parameters of biocomposites. The obtained products are characterized by the density ranging from 329 kg/m3 to 378 kg/m3 and thermal conductivity – from 0.0665 W/(m·K) to 0.0781 W/(m·K). The compressive strength and short-term water absorption have shown that biocomposites can be used as a self-bearing structural materials due its sufficient strength which is approx. 2 MPa and water uptake varies from 20 vol.% to 40 vol.%.