Manufacturing building materials from plants and wasteFriday 21 Nov 2014 With a bit of processing, common materials can be made into high-performance building materials, such as pollution-eating roofing and concrete. In some applications, fiberglass insulation, foam insulation, and wood can be replaced by manufactured alternatives that are made from waste materials and select raw materials.Zeo, an Australian company based in New South Wales, has created a product called Zeoform that is composed of only cellulose and water. The company has patented the process, which uses cellulose from textile waste, recycled and reclaimed paper, industrial hemp, and waste and renewable plants. The process results in a material, the company says, that can be produced at varying densities and can be formed, moulded, or sprayed. The material does not contain glues or other chemical elements, but those can be added to achieve specific properties. At low to medium density – 0.5 to 0.9 grams per cubic centimetre – Zeoform is applicable for products that require lightweight, thermal, insulating, and acoustical properties. High-density Zeoform (one to 1.5 grams per cubic centimetre) is made for applications such as building materials and automotive parts which require a high strength-to-weight ratio. Higher-density Zeoform has some inherent water resistance, but the company says surface coatings would be appropriate for more intense weather conditions. Common oil-based and acrylic coatings, polyurethanes, resins, and so on will work with the product, which has binding properties similar to dense hardwood. High-density Zeoform is fire resistant, and has achieved a Bfs/s1 rating, according to BS EN 13501 standards. As Zeoform can be sprayed, moulded, or formed, it can be used like wood or plastic. So far, the company has used Zeoform to produce furniture, housewares, jewellery, industrial parts, musical instruments, and building cladding. According to Zeo vice president of global branding and marketing Zen Joseph, the company has not yet entered commercial production. The company suggests the Zeoform panels are well suited for use in structural insulated panels (SIPs), factory-built structures, and panelized housing systems. For more information check out the latest issue of R&D Works.  |
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