Cavac Biomatériaux is a subsidiary of the French Agricultural Cooperative Cavac, and specialises in the production of biobased insulation products for the building market. Within the ISOBIO project they have developed a new product: a rigid insulation panel made of hemp.
The panel is composed of a commercial hemp shiv grade bonded using a specially formulated thermosetting bio-based binder, developed in collaboration with UR1. The panel manufacturing process has been validated on existing industrial tools and panel prototypes have been installed at ISOBIO demonstrators.
Functions
The rigid panel can be used for internal or external insulation, or as a substrate for renders or plasters. A tongue and groove system has been developed for easy installation and to prevent thermal bridging.
The insulating panel offers a low thermal conductivity and embodied energy while maximising the moisture buffering value and mechanical properties. Research on additives showed that improved water repellence and fire performances can be obtained.
Impact
This product brings a new valorisation to hemp shiv aggregates (a byproduct of the hemp transformation). The biobased binder offers an eco-friendly and harmless alternative to formaldehyde and isocyanate adhesives.
The compatibility with dry manufacturing processes also significantly reduces the embodied energy when compared to existing wet processes.
