The Thermal Insulation Capacity of Tree Bark

Abstract

Abstract Nowadays increasing emphasis is placed on improving the quality of different insulation materials, and on developing such from materials of natural origin. The present research focuses on the thermal insulation capacity of the chipped bark of different broadleaved and coniferous wood species. We examined the bark of five tree species: black locust, a poplar clone, larch, spruce, and Scotch pine and compared their insulation characteristics to the traditionally used insulation materials. Results indicate that the thermal insulation capacity of chipped tree bark is comparable to that of generally used insulation materials, such as glass wool. Moisture content influences the thermal insulation capacity of chipped bark of the five examined species. Since energy requirement of producing chipped tree bark is very low, and it contributes also to storing carbon, therefore its CO2 balance is more advantageous compared to that of traditional fibrous or foamy insulation materials.