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The aim of this study was to determine the acoustic and thermal properties of particleboards made from mulberry wood pruning waste using urea formaldehyde resin (UF) as a binder. The investigation focused on the evaluation of the thermal conductivity and the acoustic absorption of the boards and the assessment of their feasibility for use in the construction sector. The mean thermal conductivity values of the particleboards (0.065–0.068 W/mK) were lower than those obtained in wood and similar to those in cork panels. The samples were tested with frequencies from 50 to 6300 Hz. In all cases, the results allowed us to conclude that they were better sound absorbers than commercial wood and plywood panels of the same average density for low frequencies, and with similar values for medium and high frequencies. The mechanical results reached the minimum requirement to be considered as boards for general use and, specifically with particles from 0.25 to 1.00 mm, for furniture according to European standards. The particle size of the particleboards was the variable that influenced all the acoustic properties, but did not affect the thermal conductivity. The experimental results indicated that the thermal and acoustic properties of these particleboards were promising for their application in commercial uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based construction elements and materials are undergoing a wide diffusion due to the growing attention for limiting the environmental impact of the construction sector nowadays. Following this trend towards increased sustainability in buildings and their components, here a novel bio-based linoleum, colored by means of bio-based pigments is investigated. The linoleum design and development are presented, and the different samples are characterized with respect to optics, thermal and acoustic properties. Moreover, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is carried out to assess the impact of the material on environment and human health. Possible applications are then discussed. Findings demonstrate that the natural pigments are able to effectively color the linoleum. Solar reflectance of the samples falls between 28.8% and 42.7%, while thermal conductivity varies between 0.28 and 0.37 W/mK and acoustic absorption coefficient is around 0.5 and varies the peak frequencies with respect to the thickness of the air layer behind the sample. Finally, the investigated sample of natural pigment reduces the impact categories on the environment by up to 94.1% through its life cycle, with respect to same-color synthetic pigments. Image 1 • A bio-based linoleum is designed with bio-based pigments extracted from plants. • Linoleum prototypes were developed in the lab and characterized. • Pigments significantly color the linoleum and modify optic characteristics. • The thermal conductivity and absorption coefficient of the linoleum are measured. • Natural pigment significantly lower the life cycle impact of the linoleum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]