Publication
Sustainable and efficient cork - inorganic polymer composites: an innovative and eco-friendly approach to produce ultra-lightweight and low thermal conductivity materials
| Summary: | In this investigation cork was used as a low density aggregate in the production of ultra-lightweight and low thermal conductivity inorganic polymer (geopolymer) composites. This novel and highly sustainable material, synthesised at room temperature (23 °C), may decrease the energy losses inside buildings, thus contributing to the United Nations development goals regarding energy and climate change. The ultra-low density (260 kg/m3) and low thermal conductivity (72 mW/m K) shown by the cork-composites are the second lowest ever reported for inorganic polymer composites, only being surpassed by that of polystyrene-inorganic polymer composites. However, cork is a fully renewable and sustainable resource, while polystyrene is manufactured from non-renewable fossil fuels, and for that reason our strategy has an additional sustainability advantage. Moreover, the cork-inorganic polymer composites do not release any toxic fume when under fire conditions, which is a major advantage over polymeric-based foams. |
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| Main Authors: | Novais, Rui M. |
| Other Authors: | Senff, Luciano; Carvalheiras, João; Seabra, Maria P.; Pullar, Robert C.; Labrincha, João A. |
| Subject: | Inorganic polymer Thermal conductivity Lightweight aggregate Cork Composite |
| Year: | 2019 |
| Country: | Portugal |
| Document type: | article |
| Access type: | restricted access |
| Associated institution: | Universidade de Aveiro |
| Language: | English |
| Origin: | RIA - Repositório Institucional da Universidade de Aveiro |
| Summary: | In this investigation cork was used as a low density aggregate in the production of ultra-lightweight and low thermal conductivity inorganic polymer (geopolymer) composites. This novel and highly sustainable material, synthesised at room temperature (23 °C), may decrease the energy losses inside buildings, thus contributing to the United Nations development goals regarding energy and climate change. The ultra-low density (260 kg/m3) and low thermal conductivity (72 mW/m K) shown by the cork-composites are the second lowest ever reported for inorganic polymer composites, only being surpassed by that of polystyrene-inorganic polymer composites. However, cork is a fully renewable and sustainable resource, while polystyrene is manufactured from non-renewable fossil fuels, and for that reason our strategy has an additional sustainability advantage. Moreover, the cork-inorganic polymer composites do not release any toxic fume when under fire conditions, which is a major advantage over polymeric-based foams. |
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Funded activities
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