Thermal Insulation Panel Based on Vegetable Typha Domengensis and Starch: Formulation and Characterization

The chemical characteristics of the typha-starch composite have been investigated in this study to optimize the component of the habitat insulation panel obtained from the two bio sourced materials. Four mixtures have been formulated and tested (starch 0g + typha 620 g; starch 62g + typha 558 g; starch 93g + typha 527 g; starch 124g + typha 496 g). The panels were made up of six different granulometries (0.125 mm; 0.250 mm; 0.425 mm; 1.25 mm 1.70 mm; 3.15 mm). A total of 72 panels were made and tested. The density of the panels varies from 515.6 kg.m-3 to 809.74 kg.m-3. Chemical characterisation reveals that typha particles contain a high content of organic matter and dry matter, as well as a significant proportion of water and volatile components. The typha which contains very little protein, little minerals and lipids, could contribute to the thermosetting during the manufacturing process of insulating panels. Formulations with low mass density such as L91 (1.70 mm + 124 g starch) and G62 (1.25 mm + 0 g starch) show good thermal properties according to literature.