Cellulose

The cellulose used for insulation materials is obtained from shredded waste paper, e.g. from unread newspapers. Mechanical shredding changes the structure of the paper and forms cellulose flakes. These flakes can be used directly as blown-in insulation. To produce insulation boards, the fibres are pressed into boards using steam. The steam activates the binders already present in the cellulose, so that no additional adhesives are required. For fire protection, however, aluminium sulphate and boron salts are added, and additional fibres such as jute yarn can be worked in for stability. With a thermal conductivity of 0.04-0.045 W/(Km3) it has good insulating properties and also offers good protection against summer heat. It has a vapour diffusion resistance of 1-2 and the required insulation thickness is 16 cm. Primary energy consumption is 55-80 kWh/m3 and is therefore relatively low. The insulation material is also resistant to mould and insects and has very good sound insulation properties. It is durable, vapour-permeable and has a moisture-regulating effect, and the boards are very easy to dispose of at the end of their life. For an ecological insulation material it is also comparatively inexpensive.