Development of thermal insulating and sound absorbing agro-sourced materials from auto linked flax-tows

The aim of this paper is to develop a green composite using only flax fiber material for thermal insulations and sound absorbing using flax-tows and thus enhance the less noble part of the flax plant. The Lin-K process is a simple patented manufacturing process used to develop these self-linked materials. Thermal conductivity, absorbing acoustic coefficient, hydric properties and the effect of several parameters on these performances are reviewed. The use of fine flax-tows leads to extract more organic substances of the inner fibers during the microwave treatment which improves the mechanical performances and reduces the thermal conductivities of these materials. The environment has very significant effects on thermal stability and durability of these materials.

► We develop a green composite using only flax-tow material through Lin-K process. ► This composite is used for thermal insulations and sound absorbing. ► We make an experimental study to characterize thermally and acoustically this material. ► We study the effects of flax-tows size on the different properties of this composite. ► The moisture absorption by this composite has several adverse effects on its properties.