Effect of compaction on multi-physical properties of hemp-black liquor composites

This study aims to develop fully agro-based insulating building materials. Previous studies investigated several types of aggregates and binders to develop composites. The thermal conductivity of such composite appears mainly impacted by the density. This paper aims to investigate the effect of density on various multi-physical properties of composites, using the same formulation and adjusting the forming step. Thus, specimens are produced with the same hemp shiv to black liquor ratio but different compaction stress. The effect of compaction on bulk density, porosity, mechanical resistance, thermal conductivity and Moisture Buffer Value (MBV) is analyzed. It is shown that it is possible to reach thermal conductivity that is low enough to be considered as building insulating material. Thanks to this study, the required compaction stress to ensure targeted values of density, then thermal conductivity and MBV, is identified. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.