Aerated Cement Slurry and Controlling Fungal Growth of Low-Cost Biomass-Based Insulation Materials

Sci Rep. 2019 Dec 17;9(1):19237. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55626-5.

Abstract

Wood chips or particles as well as shredded straw offer desired thermal insulation qualities. When exposed to a humid environment, however, fungal growth on wood and straw is an important consideration. An experimental investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple treatment in mitigating fungal growth on wood- and straw-based insulation. This treatment involved blending of wood chips or particles, or shredded straw with an aerated slurry which offers the potential to mitigate fungal growth on biomass by a combination of physical and chemical effects without imposing a weight penalty. Experimental results verified the effectiveness of this treatment in controlling fungal growth on wood and straw subjected to different moisture conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents* / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents* / pharmacology
  • Biomass*
  • Construction Materials*
  • Fungi / growth & development*

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents