Developing New Insulation Building Materials Based on Clay and Ecological Additives

Abstract

The thermal performance of exterior walls is considered as a key factor to improving energy efficiency in buildings, especially in areas with cold climates in winter and warm climates in summer. As part of this study, and whose building materials are known for their low thermal properties. The X-ray diffraction was performed on the clay material and the different fibers in order to determine their crystallinity. An experimental characterization of thermophysical properties of a new biocomposites material for the sustainable buildings construction in southern Morocco is presented. These materials can be used as mortar for ceilings and exterior walls. To this end, several samples were prepared from clay extracted from the Errachidia region (south-east Morocco) and three mass fractions of alfa, fig and reed fibers (20%, 40% and 60%). The thermal characterization method adopted is that of the highly insulated thermal house. The results revealed that the incorporation of alfa, fig and reed fibers into the clay matrix allowed a remarkable reduction in apparent density and thermal conductivity. This result shows the interest of using this biocomposite material in construction buildings to ensure thermal comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.