Experimental assessement of biocomposites and nanoinsulation materials at macro scale for next generation building-façade systems

Abstract

The construction sector has a key role to play in achieving the global objectives of sustainable development. At the request of society and consumers, there is a growing incentive to use sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials, also with lower energy incorporated. Biocomposites, containing biopolymers and/or natural fibres, have less built-in energy than conventional materials traditionally used by the construction industry. This aspect has originated significant increase in their use in the field of construction. While biocomposite products already perform satisfactorily in many construction applications, they still need to be upgraded in some specific characteristics that are undergoing research and technological development. Sometimes bio-materials are strongly formulated or coupled with nanomaterials, to improve some specific properties of the final product. Like a conventional construction product, these biobased materials and products need to be specified according to building regulations and small-scale assemblies and full-sized test rigs need to be subjected to testing and evaluation to industry and standards targets. Thus, in environmental conditions of application they not should show curvature, swelling, decohesion or other signals of degradation, delamination or fracture, they should have good biologic resistance, good reaction to fire, no flaming or no flame spread, and minimum quantified mechanical properties will be required. In this communication final products for building façades, constituted by bio-composites, as well as Veture panel for thermal insulation consisting of WPC (skin) and an nanoaerogel core (insulation material), are assessed at macro scale. The results are analysed and discussed taking into account the current requirements for the constructive applications in view and its fitness for use is evaluated.