Properties
Wood foams have a low density due to their pores and cavities. Foams made of beech wood, for example, can be produced specifically in a density range between 40 and 200 kg/m³. In addition, these firm, dimensionally stable foams do not lint and can be processed like other wood-based materials (saws, files, etc.). The processing is simple, the product does not form dust and is odorless. The foams are tested according to the standards applicable to insulation materials. The results so far are promising: The compressive strengths at 10% compression are between 0.02 and 0.41 N/mm². The thermal conductivity is likely to be between those of polystyrene (0.032–0.040 W/mK) and wood fibre insulation boards (0.040–0.052 W/mK); verification of the values is still pending. The fire behaviour is similar to that of other natural insulation materials: they burn and glow, the flame partly extinguishes by itself.
From
anecological and economic point of view, wood foam is extremely interesting for a variety of applications (thermal and acoustic insulation, packaging material, structural applications). In Burgenland, an insulating material (wood-foam-concrete) based on regionally available raw materials (reeds, straw) is currently being developed, see www.react-ite.eu
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