Effect of modified liquid glass on absorption humidity and thermal conductivity of flax fiber slabs

Abstract

Thermal insulation materials based on vegetable fibers are considered. The results of studies on the microstructure of flax fiber noils using a light microscope and flax fibers using electron microscopy are presented. The complex of studies on the selection of the composition of thermal insulation slabs from flax fibers and flax noils has been conducted to determine the process of absorption of humidity from the air. The humidity absorption of insulants based on flax fibers and flax noils has been determined at a relative humidity of 40– 97% using sodium liquid glass and modified liquid glass, as well as «Akotherm flaks» slabs. The thermal insulation slabs water vapor absorption kinetics has also been investigated, taking into account the time parameter. The effect of absorption humidity on the thermal conductivity of the studied materials has been examined; for this purpose, the coefficients of thermal conductivity of materials with the maximum humidity content of insulators were determined. The results of the tests indicate the highest efficiency of thermal insulation slabs made of flax fiber tow compared with insulation materials based on flax fibers and «Akotherm flaks» slabs.