Manufacturing of a biocomposite with both thermal and acoustic properties.

The present work describes a biocomposite with thermal and acoustic insulating properties from agricultural or forestry residues using a steam injection molding technique. The biocomposites showed reasonable thermal insulation properties as judged based on their thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal stability data. The biocomposites had also good sound absorption properties. The dimensional stability of the biocomposites under accelerated weathering conditions was almost ideal. Although the flame retardancy of the biocomposites had rating acceptable to building products, it was yet concluded that for the biocomposites to have a wider market share, their flame-retardant capacity should be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]