CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Rigid sponge type organic-ceramic compounds, particularly wood-cement composites, are extensively used as constructive elements. Physical and mechanical properties may be adapted according to their application in service. Material properties are directly related to the ratio of wood and cement and its apparent density. However, the synthesis conditions have a great influence on the final properties of the material, even in samples with same density. Some variables that influence the synthesis process are listed: the wood treatment used to prevent poisoning effect of the cement during setting reaction, molding time, setting accelerator additions and the cement paste composition. As example, it can be mentioned that the variables which control the wood treatment influence directly on the compression resistance due to chemical changes of the primary components. Mechanical resistance may be also highly influenced by the cement paste composition and the molding time. In the present contribution, physical and mechanical properties of the sponge ?thermal conductivity, compression resistance, water absorption, flexural resistance-, were evaluated to establish aptitude parameters for internal walls and thermal insulation applications. Process variables were linked to measured physical and mechanical properties. Obtained results were compared to commercial organic-ceramic compounds. For a sponge of 350 kg/m3 density, the average value for compression resistance was 0.20 MPa, flexural resistance 0.40 MPa and thermal conductivity 0.091 W/m K.