Thermal and acoustic conductivity of a composite material based on rice straw

The objective of this study is to contribute to the development and promotion of a plant-based building material with a limited environmental impact and acceptable energy consumption. To this end, we manufactured a composite material (straw + plaster). A plaster coating was applied to the two opposite sides of the straw bale. Several tests were conducted to improve thermal comfort, including the material's thermal diffusivity, moisture conductivity, and acoustic conductivity. The results obtained during this study are presented in relation to the methodology used. The moisture content of the material remained constant due to the presence of a NaCl solution, which controlled the humidity. The clay-coated straw bale regulates the internal temperature in a climatic environment subject to temperature variations, thus providing it with significant thermal inertia. Acoustic insulation aims to limit the transmission of sound between the two sides of the material. The R value is between 45 and 53.1 dB in the device containing the material, it is a good acoustic insulator.