Hygric properties and thermal conductivity of a new insulation material for building based on date palm concrete

Experimental investigations of hygric and thermal conductivity properties of a new biocomposite material dedicated for construction which contains cement, sand and water and reinforced with 15 wt% of date palm fibers were carried out. The investigations were based on the measurement of water vapor permeability, of sorption isotherm, of moisture diffusivity and thermal conductivity. The results reveal that the presence of date palm fibers improves the performance and the efficiency of the composite material: lowering of water vapor diffusion resistance, enhancement of moisture transfer. The results were compared to other kind of biocomposite materials used for construction. Finally, we have shown the effect of temperature on thermal conductivity for both moist and dry states. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.