First OrganoPor project phase successfully completed

The OrganoPor research project was successfully completed on July 31, 2019. The objective of the project was the first-time realization of composite thermal insulation systems (ETICS) and impact sound insulation panels made of porous, self-supporting and flame-retardant hybrid materials based on renewable natural residues.

In the OrganoPor project, novel, sustainable facade insulation materials were developed from residual and waste materials from agriculture and forestry, which are available in sheet form compared with similar materials and exhibit reduced fire behavior. In the course of the work carried out, a bio-based solution was developed in comparison to composite thermal insulation systems based on polystyrene foam. Porous, self-supporting and flame-retardant hybrid materials were produced from renewable residual and waste materials such as cork or corncob meal, water-based resins based on lignin and mineral fillers (flame retardants). The porous particles were coated with a biobased duromer including mineral flame retardant and pressed into sheets. In the event of fire, this hybrid material behaves analogously to the polystyrene foam-based hybrid material: The non-combustible duromer framework protects the foamed biomaterial embedded in it from fire.

Component densities of 120 kg/m³ and thermal conductivities of 40 mW/m K were achieved. In addition, the general applicability was demonstrated in various investigations, e.g. on water absorption and adhesive tensile strength. The developed OrganoPor insulation materials offer an environmentally friendly, bio-based, and flame-retardant insulation material, which can be produced particularly economically due to its structural and processing parallels to polystyrene foam hybrid materials. Added to this is the economic availability of the starting materials on the market since residual and waste materials are used. For these reasons, OrganoPor insulation materials have great opportunities to establish themselves in the mass market of the construction industry/building renovation. Link.