Together with four partners, the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT; Pfinztal, Germany; edlinks.chemengonline.com/6894-550) has developed an insulation material that is made entirely from renewable raw materials. The material has nearly the same insulating characteristics as conventional glass wool or polystyrene foam, but requires less energy to produce, says ICT. The material is made from hemp – a plant native to Germany – and a biopolymer extracted from corn, which is used as a support to hold the fibers in place. The next step is to reduce the costs of the green insulation, which is now about 2-3 times more than polystyrene.
Sustainable insulation
| By Chemical Engineering