Polysaccharidic binders for the conception of an insulating agro-composite

The objective of this study is the formulation of a natural polysaccharidic binder for the conception of an insulating bio-based composite made with sunflower stalk particles. The formulation was performed using chitosan cross-linked with Genipin and mixed with alginate, guar gum and starch. A fractional factorial experimental design within 32 essays was established to find the formulation leading to composites with the best combination between good mechanical properties and limited amount of chitosan in the binder. Composites with a thermal conductivity (κ) of 0.07 W m−1 K−1 and a maximum tensile stress (σmax) of 0.2 MPa were obtained with a total binder ratio of 5.5% (w/w). The results of this study show that the insulating bio-based composites evaluated have competitive mechanical and thermal performances compared with other eco-friendly insulating materials available on the market.