Kenaf fiber for green building

Bio-architecture is a specific part of the architecture born in the 60 that is growing almost everywhere and is going to modify the classical way of thinking and building new structures. One of the principal points of this way of thinking is the psycho and physical wellness, given through a health and ecologic way of planning the space.

All this is done by using products, materials and technologies, which belongs to the bioclimatic concepts or from the ancient vernacular architecture, in order to create a physical and mental well being, strictly linked to the environment. The choice of materials is essential, nothing toxic, but the more natural and eco friendly, such as flax, hemp and kenaf.

Characteristics and uses of kenaf fiber

Kenaf plant belongs to Malvaceae family, with different varieties that can reach 3 to 6 meters tall, with no particular ramifications. Its semblance to the conifers fibers, making it a suitable to a variety of uses, including as alternative to wood. The kenaf plant is very common in South America, the the fiber is produced and cultivated also in Italy.

In the ancient age the kenaf fiber was used to produce clothes, oil or paper. Moreover the plant gives significant beneficial to improve the conditions environmental and quality of the soil, making good amount of oxygen and limiting the growth of weeds.

Kenaf fiber is very durable and has good mechanical and physical properties that make it suitable for exploitation in the ecological design and green building. Generally kenaf fiber is used in panels very soft of various thickness for filling cavities and compartments as a very effective isolator.

The panels are produced working the fiber, without any addition of adhesives or chemical elements; simply is pressed or twisted, going to form panels semi-rigid that, depending on the thickness, are able to respond well to both mechanical or thermoacoustic stress.

Finally, last but not least, the recycling factor. The kenaf fiber is a 100% recyclable, it can be used for completely ecological new structures that maintain the eco friendly approach for all the life of the buildings.

The kenaf fiber is an excellent eco-friendly product that is very well suited as insulation, both thermal and acoustic. Although natural, does not create problems related to insects, birds or rodents and does not generate rot and it is insensitive to the environmental humidity. This particular aspect, combined with good breathability, make Kenaf fiber very suitable for ceilings and cavities and grant healthy and comfortable environment.

Example of fiber panels kenaf

There are several producers that use Kenaf fiber as isolant material. One is the Bio Line from Isolmant, that is studied for both floor and wall solutions.

For this second aspect in particular there is the FK panel available in two different thickness useful to vertical partitions between the various apartments, or as simple thermal and acoustic insulation.

Another Kenaf Panel is Hibian from Eraclit. This kind of panel is built without glues but with a minimal part of polyester.

In this case the increase of the mechanical and thermo acoustic proprieties are due to variable thicknesses and density, which are obtained for different braiding fibers.

Eraclit Hibian is available also in PAV version studied for floor applications. In this use the Kenaf fiber is coupled to a thin film of polyethylene.

Finally, the brand Diasen has a series of panels and acoustic insulation that exploit the high potential of the natural fiber of kenaf.

For example Pan is an insulating panel made of vegetable fiber of hemp and Kenaf wich is used to thermal insulation and sound insulation.

Requires no drying and is available in convenient formats of felt, in several thicknesses from 30 kg/m3 and in panels with higher density, up to 50 kg/m3.