Sustainable and efficient cork - inorganic polymer composites: An innovative and eco-friendly approach to produce ultra-lightweight and low thermal conductivity materials. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novais, Rui M.; Senff, Luciano; Carvalheiras, João; Seabra, Maria P.; Pullar, Robert C.; Labrincha, João A.
• Is Part Of: Cement & concrete composites. Volume 97(2019)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Inorganic polymer -- Thermal conductivity -- Lightweight aggregate -- Cork -- Composite; Composite-reinforced concrete -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composites de ciment -- Périodiques; Béton -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Béton léger -- Périodiques; Cement composites; Composite materials; Composite-reinforced concrete; Concrete; Lightweight concrete; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2018.12.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-9465

Abstract

Abstract: 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/m 3 ) 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.