Characterization of the thermal behavior, mechanical resistance, and reaction to fire of totora (Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Sojak) panels and their potential use as a sustainable construction material

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2023-06, Vol.69, p.105984, Article 105984
• Main Authors: Aza-Medina, Leyda Cinthia, Palumbo, Mariana, Lacasta, Ana María, González-Lezcano, Roberto Alonso
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomaterial; Construction with natural fibers; Energy efficiency; Natural thermal insulation materials; Schoenoplectus californicus; Schoenoplectus tatora; Sustainable building material
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2023.105984

The extraction and use of construction materials generate an impact on the environment due to human activity. Facing these problems requires the development of new alternatives that support changes toward sustainable construction. The development of materials using natural resources creates an important opportunity to reduce the demand for energy, such as the energy used in manufacturing materials. This will contribute to the reduction of exhausting nonrenewable resources and waste production. The objective of this study is to develop a new kind of thermal insulation out of natural vegetation. In this case, using totora (Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A. Mey.) Sojak), which is an aquatic plant that grows in Lake Titicaca. Panels were made from both shredded and whole totora. These panels could be used to improve the thermal comfort inside houses in the high Andes region of Peru, where there are extreme variations in temperature. Studies have demonstrated that one of the characteristics of this plant is its low thermal conductivity, which reveals its potential for insulation. Considering which variables exist that affect the thermal efficiency of an insulating material, flexural tests, air permeability, water vapor permeability, and fire resistance tests were done. •Totora reeds are a renewable material and are a good alternative to reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources.•Means necessary for the manufacture of a reed-based thermal insulator are not intensive and could be easily implemented.•Panels made of whole stem require less raw material processing and a smaller amount of binder to manufacture.•Particle boards can be made with the waste left over from the manufacturing mats, which allows a better use of the plant.•All the results of the tests carried out show the potential of cattail material for use as a thermal insulation in buildings.•The present study provided a first approach to investigate cattail material and its possibilities.