journal article·2025-05Open access

Development of high-performance thermal insulation panels from flax fiber waste for building insulation

Magdi El Messiry, Shaimaa Youssef El-Tarfawy, Yasmin Ayman, Rania El Deeb

Abstract

The study examines flax fiber waste as a possible environmentally friendly material for thermal insulation panels given the rising need for sustainable building materials. The research examines 25 panels manufactured with different panel designs, fiber blends, binder types, thicknesses, and densities for thermal conductivity. The tested samples had a thermal conductivity range of 0.029 W/K to 0.325 W/K. Good insulation panels had conductivity values below 0.05 W/m·K. A power law link between bulk density and thermal conductivity was found, therefore emphasizing the considerable effect of substance compaction on insulation characteristics. The research includes biobased binders—Arabic natural glue 40%, for instance—that improve insulation performance along with reflective surface levels (aluminum foil). The modified sample achieved the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.0298 W/m·K by combining an air bubble layer, sprayed paraffin 6%, and an aluminum foil layer, just ahead of commercial products like fiberglass (0.04–0.055 W/m·K) and mineral wool (0.035–0.05 W/m·K). This sample shown a 148% rise in thermal resistance from what other checked panels showed, highlighting the value of multilayered alterations in increasing insulation performance. These results highlight how flax fiber reinforced composites could be used for heat insulation. Regarding thermal insulation, this study offers a different way of using flax fiber waste. The results provide important information on finetuning material composition and production methods to meet energy efficiency criteria in building while reducing environmental impact.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites · Hygrothermal properties of building materials · Architectural and Urban Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Alexandria University

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