New insulation fiberboards from sunflower cake with improved thermal and mechanical properties

New thermal insulation fiberboards were manufactured by compression molding from a cake generated during the sunflower biorefinery. Fiberboards were cohesive mixtures of a natural binder and lignocellulosic fibers from sunflower cake. The natural binder ensured the board cohesion, and fibers acted as reinforcing fillers. The influence of molding conditions, i.e. binder type and binder content, on board density, mechanical and heat insulation properties was examined. The medium-density board containing 20% starch-based binder was a good compromise between mechanical and heat insulation properties (78 mW/m K thermal conductivity). It could be positioned on walls and ceilings for thermal insulation of buildings.