A NOVEL BONDING METHOD FOR A PLANT-BASED, LOAD-BEARING INSULATION FOR CARBON-STORING BUILDINGS

Goal: The project aims to develop a bonding method for lignocellulosic materialsthat is cost-effective, structurally durable, environmentally sound from cradle to cradle, and conducive to a low-capital manufacturing process.Objectives: The research effort will:1) test the newbiocomposite bonding method andcorrelate compression strength with specimen slenderness to reach target strength;3) test a range of environmentally benign binders conducive to a circular material and a distributed manufcaturing process;4) prototype a full-scale block;5) measure key material properties including thermal resistance, fungi resistance, and non-combustibility; and model hygrothermal performance.