Development of Alkali-Based Agro-Materials for Thermal Comfort in the Home
Research in the construction industry has initiated an ecological transition, especially with the development of biobased materials, such as bio-based concretes. These materials, for which hempcrete is a precursor, have interesting qualities such as low density and good hygrothermal characteristics. Hemp blocks have been developed, but the commercial offer remains relatively modest, due in particular to the chemical incompatibility between the plant aggregates and the cement-based binders, as well as excessively long curing times resulting to a long curing period. A new eco-material based on flax shives and geopolymer has therefore been developed. The aim of this program is therefore to develelop a competitive eco-material as an alternative to bio-based concretes, by proposing the association with a binder with a better plant compatibility, in order to reduce curing times and simplify the industrial process, and with good functional properties. In particular, this project aims to optimize the mechanical and thermal properties of these bio-based blocks. The project includes an experimental program that involves the use of characterization devices such as an X-ray tomography to study the internal organization of materials, as well as devices for mechanical and hygrothermal characterization of construction materials. The objective is to establish correlations between the organization of the material and the functional properties (mechanical and hygrothermal) of the biosourced blocks.
