Researchers at Washington State University have developed a plant-based, environmentally friendly material that acts as a viable replacement for Styrofoam, which is often used in coffee cups, for building insulation and as a construction material.
Styrofoam is commonly derived from petroleum. It does not degrade naturally and when burnt emits toxic chemicals and smoke. The researchers have developed an alternative from plant cellulose and wood pulp by employing an environmentally friendly technique. Led by professor Amir Ameli, the university team created the material by adding polyvinyl alcohol to cellulose nanocrystals; this bonds with the crystals, resulting in an elastic foam.
Unlike most plant-based alternatives, this new material acts as a high-performance thermal insulation due to its uniform cellular structure. It is lightweight, degrades well in certain conditions and does not produce ash when burnt.
Professor Ameli said: “We have used an easy method to make high-performance, composite foams based on nanocrystalline cellulose with an excellent combination of thermal insulation capability and mechanical properties. Our results demonstrate the potential of renewable materials, such as nanocellulose, for high-performance thermal insulation materials that can contribute to energy savings, less usage of petroleum-based materials, and reduction of adverse environmental impacts.”
If widely adopted, this material innovation, as well as being intrinsically energy saving as an insulant, could lead to less usage of petroleum-based plastics and help reduce the negative environmental impact of the construction industry and in its use as an alternative insulation for buildings and cups.
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Researchers at Washington State University have developed a plant-based, environmentally friendly material that acts as a viable replacement for Styrofoam, which is often used in coffee cups, for building insulation and as a construction material.
Styrofoam is commonly derived from petroleum. It does not degrade naturally and when burnt emits toxic chemicals and smoke. The researchers have developed an alternative from plant cellulose and wood pulp by employing an environmentally friendly technique. Led by professor Amir Ameli, the university team created the material by adding polyvinyl alcohol to cellulose nanocrystals; this bonds with the crystals, resulting in an elastic foam.
Unlike most plant-based alternatives, this new material acts as a high-performance thermal insulation due to its uniform cellular structure. It is lightweight, degrades well in certain conditions and does not produce ash when burnt.
Professor Ameli said: “We have used an easy method to make high-performance, composite foams based on nanocrystalline cellulose with an excellent combination of thermal insulation capability and mechanical properties. Our results demonstrate the potential of renewable materials, such as nanocellulose, for high-performance thermal insulation materials that can contribute to energy savings, less usage of petroleum-based materials, and reduction of adverse environmental impacts.”
If widely adopted, this material innovation, as well as being intrinsically energy saving as an insulant, could lead to less usage of petroleum-based plastics and help reduce the negative environmental impact of the construction industry and in its use as an alternative insulation for buildings and cups.