Influence of the Direction of Mixture Compaction on the Selected Properties of a Hemp-Lime Composite

The aim of the research presented in the article was to check the differences in the hygro-thermal and mechanical properties of hemp-lime composites with different shives fractions, depending on the direction of mixture compaction. The research part of the paper presents the preparation method and investigation on the composites. Thermal conductivity, capillary uptake, as well as flexural and compressive strengths were examined. Additionally, an analysis of the temperature distribution in the external wall insulated with the tested composites was performed. The results confirm that the direction of compaction influences the individual properties of the composites in a similar way, depending on the size of the shives. The differences are more pronounced in the case of the composite containing longer fractions of shives. Both thermal conductivity of the material and the capillary uptake ability are lower in the parallel direction of the compaction process. Composites exhibit greater stiffness, but they fail faster with increasing loads when loaded in the direction perpendicular to compaction.

Automated summary

The aim of this research was to investigate the differences in hygro-thermal and mechanical properties of hemp-lime composites with different shives fractions based on the direction of mixture compaction. The results showed that the compaction direction influences the properties of the composites in a similar way, particularly with longer shives fractions. The thermal conductivity and capillary uptake are lower when compacted in parallel direction, while the stiffness is greater but the failure happens faster under increasing loads in the direction perpendicular to compaction.