Building physics

Currently, the European market of insulating materials is dominated by inorganic materials and organic foams, which account for 60% and 27% of the market respectively, whereas natural fibres and new technology materials account for less than 13% all together. The manufacture of thermo-insulating materials such as inorganic materials and organic foams is quite demanding as regards consumption of energy, raw materials and cost. Threats of uncertain petroleum supply in the near future and environmental concerns enhances the need of finding available alternative material resources. Renewable resources seem to be the advantageous alternative, not loading environment on the condition of consequent processing with low energetic demand.
Natural and bio-based construction materials represent a promising solution for optimizing buildings' environmental sustainability. The combination of bio fibres such as kenaf, hemp, flax, jute, henequen, pineapple leaf, coconut, wood, cork, cane, cardboard or sisal with polymer matrices from both non-renewable and renewable resources to produce composite materials are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fibre reinforced composites especially in building product applications. They are considered effective raw materials for producing insulating panels at a reduced cost.