Work

Analysis of the Possible Use of Straw from Agriculture as an Environmental Insulation Material in Buildings

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Straw has been used as a building material since time immemorial and has been considered as a waste product from the agricultural sector, usually used for feed, bedding, or fertilization. Nowadays, the construction industry strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and is focusing on renewable materials; hence, straw seems to be an attractive, low-energy option. Straw bales or blown insulation are common uses, with limited detailed knowledge regarding the properties of different straw types. Straw is made up of the dry stems of crops. Straw’s chemical composition will differ with different crops and can have a great impact on its effectiveness. As a renewable material, straw also has the potential to be used in buildings, enhancing thermal insulation and reducing environmental impacts. This study considers four kinds of straw: barley, oats, oilseed rape, and triticale, regarding their possible usage in insulation materials. The thermal conductivity, bulk density, and dust generation of each type were tested in the laboratory. Among them, the best performance was shown by the barley straw treated with mechanical pulping using a knife mill at 4000 rpm for 60 s, which showed the lowest bulk density and thermal conductivity and generated the least dust. It is thus proven to be an environmental insulation material with significant implications for sustainable construction and energy-efficient building design, further helping in maintaining environmental sustainability in building construction.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17083589

Authors: Jitka Peterková, Azra Korjenic, Jiří Zach, Jiří Bydžovský, Simona Halásová, Eldira Sesto

Institutions: Brno University of Technology, TU Wien

Language: English

Topic: Hygrothermal properties of building materials

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896