Influence of the Fibrous Structure on the Physical and Mechanical Characteristics of Insulating Slabs from Flax Noils

Abstract The paper presents results of analysis of thermal insulation materials based on plant fibers. It is suggested to use secondary raw materials of flax processing plants – flax noils – as a fiberfill in production of insulating slabs. The paper presents results of research on the microstructure of flax noils and flax fibers conducted using light microscopy and electron microscopy, respectively. A set of experiments aimed at determining physical and mechanical characteristics of thermal insulation materials has been conducted. Test results attest higher efficiency of the insulating slabs made from flax noils in comparison with flax fiber-based thermal insulation material. The main factors facilitating reduction of thermal conductivity coefficient of thermal insulation material made from flax noils have been determined.