Wood-Based Insulating Foam

Mar-08-14 An insulating foam made from wood could provide an eco-friendly alternative to the petroleum-based products in use today.

Created by researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute, the wood-based foam was produced by first grinding the wood particles to form a slimy solution. Adding gas to the foam then caused it to expand into a frothy foam that hardened into a lightweight, porous material. The hardening of the foam was helped along by natural substances in the wood, but the process could also be induced by chemicals.

When analyzed, the wood foam scored well for its thermoinsulating and mechanical properties as well as its moisture-related characteristics. The team is now working to determine which types of wood works best and how to scale up the process for commercial production.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[FRAUNHOFER]

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