Physical-Mechanical Properties of Peat Moss (Sphagnum) Insulation Panels with Bio-Based Adhesives

Materials (Basel). 2022 May 4;15(9):3299. doi: 10.3390/ma15093299.

Abstract

Rising energy and raw material prices, dwindling resources, increased recycling, and the need for sustainable management have led to growth in the smart materials sector. In recent years, the importance and diversity of bio-based adhesives for industrial applications has grown steadily. This article focuses on the production and characterization of insulation panels consisting of peat moss and two bio-based adhesives. The panels were pressed with tannin and animal-based resins and compared to panels bonded with urea formaldehyde. The physical-mechanical properties, namely, thermal conductivity (TC), water vapor diffusion resistance, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond (IB), compression resistance (CR), water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) were measured and analyzed. The results show that the insulation effectiveness and mechanical stability of moss panels bound with tannin and animal glue are comparable to standard adhesives used in the composite industry.

Keywords: animal glue; bio-based adhesives; bio-based materials; insulator; peat moss; tannin.

Grants and funding

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Salzburg Center for Smart Materials (P1727558-IWB01- BA 220131-18892) which in turn is funded by the EFRE (European Funds for Regional Development) as well as AWS (Austrian Wirtschafts Service).