Experimental and theoretical thermal investigation of bio-composite panels based on sawdust particles

This work focuses on the valorization of sawdust waste in order to develop a new bio-sourced insulation material. To assess the dynamic thermal behavior of a multi-layer external wall insulated with these panels, their thermal characteristics, the time lag, and the decrement factor, were investigated. The results obtained show that when the density increases, the thermal conductivity, the thermal diffusivity, and the volumetric heat capacity increase while the thermal diffusivity decreases. For a thickness of 20 cm of the composite material, the time lag increases, and the decrement factor decreases with increasing density. Moreover, the results obtained for an external wall show that the decrement factor decreases and the time lag increases with the thickness of the thermal insulation. It was also found that the position of the insulation layer has a considerable effect on thermal inertia properties. The wall with insulation on the outside is the most desirable. In addition, the internal global heat transfer coefficient affects the external wall's time lag and decrement factor, while the external global heat transfer coefficient does not affect its inertia properties.

Automated summary

This study focuses on developing a new bio-sourced insulation material using sawdust waste. The thermal characteristics, time lag, and decrement factor of an external wall insulated with these panels were investigated. The results showed that increasing density led to an increase in thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity, while thermal diffusivity decreased. The position of the insulation layer had a significant effect on thermal inertia properties, and insulation on the outside was found to be the most desirable.