Mechanical properties of a new insulation material based on Miscanthus x Giganteus

A novel, cost-effective, ecological and energy-efficient insulation material based on Miscanthus x Giganteus with a reduced cement binder amount enriched with a smaller quantity of zeolite has been examined. In order to increase energy efficiency, the use of cement was minimized, as it is considered an extremely energy-inefficient material whose production requires large amounts of thermal energy, accompanied with high carbon dioxide emissions. As the physical-mechanical properties of thermal insulation are of crucial importance the paper deals with physical-mechanical properties of this material. The experimental part was consisted of preparation of four mixtures with different component mass ratio, and determination of their physical-mechanical properties. The sample that showed the highest values of compressive and bending strength simultaneously was subjected to steady state conditions thermal conductivity testing.