Development of Thermal Insulation Systems Based on Plant Bio-Raw Materials: System Analysis of Hygrothermal Properties, Environmental and Structural Limitations

Introduction. Demand for building materials dictates the need to integrate renewable bioresources into eco-construction practices, which helps minimize carbon footprints and address thermal discomfort in resi-dential spaces. From a physical and technical standpoint, plant-based biocomposites are viewed as a promis-ing alternative to traditional mineral wool and polymer thermal insulation materials. The aim of this study is to identify, based on a systematic comparative analysis, the relationship between the structural and techno-logical parameters of plant-based raw materials and the operational reliability of biopositive building enve-lopes, thereby identifying key research gaps in this field. Materials and Methods. The object of research is thermal insulation materials (TIM) and building compo-sites based on renewable plant bio-raw materials (flax, hemp, straw, cork, cellulose). The research methods include a systemic comparative analysis of world scientific literature, verification of the results of numerical hygrothermal modeling of building envelopes, and environmental efficiency assessment based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with the EN ISO 10456 standard. The main scientific results. Physico-mechanical and thermophysical parameters of TIM were systematized depending on the fractional composition and type of binder. Fundamental research gaps (Verba Tension) limiting the industrial implementation of biocomposites were identified: high kinetics of mycological destruc-tion and flammability of organic matrices. It is shown that the integration of flax and hemp fibers into silicate and lime systems provides an optimal balance between crack resistance and thermal conductivity (≈0.040–0.055 W/(m⋅K)). This fiber integration creates a protective barrier against biodegradation and makes the material highly flammable. This opens the possibility of creating silicate biocomposites with a predictable life cycle. Conclusion. The original conclusion of the study is that overcoming the identified shortcomings lies in the chemical modification of bio-raw materials with mineral binders. The results obtained provide a holistic understanding of the thermodynamic efficiency and operational durability of plant insulation in various climatic zones.