Experimental assessment of building-façade kits and constituent materials

Abstract

Biocomposites, containing biopolymers and/or natural fibres, are sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials and have lower energy incorporated 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 show some interesting properties which deserve to be properly exploited, they still need to be upgraded in some specific characteristics that are undergoing research and technological development. To satisfy the exigent demands of construction industry, bio-materials need to be optimized and, in many cases, final products need to incorporate nanomaterials, to improve some specific properties and meet application objectives. GELCLAD panels are a durable, easy to install composite insulation cladding system, based on a single multi-meso-structured panel with excellent insulation properties, made from functional bio-polymer composite (ecoWPC) as skin coupling with unique advanced foamable extrudable nanoaerogel as insulation core/layer. In this communication, both constituent materials of the GELCLAD panel are assessed according European building standard targets. 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.