Improvement Insulating Properties of Ceramic Materials by Incorporating Additives

AbstractThe objective of this study is to improve the thermal performance of masonry bricks produced by the factory Briqueteries du Nord. This industrial plant is located in the north of France. The use of additives in the raw material admixture presents a promising approach for improving the thermal performance of building materials, and consequently to respond of requirements of the thermal regulation. Therefore, three additives are selected as part of an approach supporting sustainable development and waste valorization: flax shives, maize starch, and polystyrene beads. This experimental study is focused on the effect of these additives on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of ceramic samples. Different characterization tests were conducted at the laboratory scale. The results indicated that mixtures containing 2.5% flax shives or 7.5% starch ensured an optimal thermal performance, taking into account the mechanical strength of these products.