Physical Properties and Structure of Composite Made by Using Hemp Hurds and Different Binding Materials

Maximum power consumption comes to building heating, which depends on the efficiency of building envelopes. Energy consumption of building sector covers 50% of the total energy consumption. Reducing building energy cost it is necessary to increase the energy efficiency of complex elements in envelopes, both in their production and operational conditions. The usage of plant-based materials such as hemp hurds, which has high porosity and porous structure, increases efficiency of envelopes, reduces production cost, relatively reduces the emission of CO2, because, in order to perform photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen. This feature is very important ecologically and it is increasingly important factor for humanity. This paper covers the composite materials of the hemp hurds and different binders such as cement, clay, starch. The compressive strength, thermal conductivity dependence on density and microstructure of various compositions composites were investigated. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.