Water Vapour Sorption and Moisture Transport in and Across Fibre Direction of Wood

Water vapour sorption experiments are frequently used to characterise the absorption and desorption of water in wood during transient conditions in relative humidity. When interpreting such experiments, it is still unclear to what extend the resulting time-dependent change of sample mass (i.e. sorption kinetics) is influenced by moisture transport, sorption and sorption related processes. To evaluate the impact of water vapour diffusion under such transient conditions, this study investigates the sorption kinetics of small wood samples with different lengths of transport pathways in and across fibre direction. For this purpose, water vapour sorption experiments on Norway spruce ( Picea abies ) samples were performed under identical climatic conditions at ambient air pressure and ambient standard temperature. The results showed that sample thickness has an impact on the sorption kinetics along the whole tested range of relative humidity. Differences between the sorption kinetics for samples in and across fibre direction were considerable at low relative humidity, indicating the relevance of water vapour diffusion through the lumen-pit-ray system. In contrast at high relative humidity, differences between the sorption kinetics for samples in and across fibre direction started to disappear while the impact of sample thickness was still considerable. Therefore, it seems as if an additional or modified process that depends on the number of sorption sites becomes relevant at an increased moisture content of wood. This process, as well as the increasing uptake and release of water across fibre direction, should be further investigated to gain a better understanding of the absorption and desorption of water in wood.

Preliminary investigation on the transient hygrothermal analysis of a CLT-based retrofit solution for exterior walls

This paper investigates the transient hygrothermal performance of an innovative energy and seismic renovation solution for reinforced concrete (RC) framed buildings, based on the addition of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels to the outer walls, in combination with wood-based insulation. This solution is being developed in the framework of a four-year EU-funded project called e-SAFE. The investigation relies on numerical simulations in DELPHIN 6.1, by considering combined heat and mass transfer (HAMT) due to water vapour diffusion and capillary transport. The proposed solution is tested in three different climates in Italy, to verify whether the CLT layer and the outer waterproof vapour-open membrane, inserted to protect the wood-based insulation from rain, still allow the effective drying of the vapour accumulated in liquid form in the walls, while also preventing mould formation. The results show that the increased thermal resistance of the wall assembly significantly reduces the total water content, although moderate risks of mould growth in the wooden materials may occur in coldest climates.

Recent progress on hygroscopic materials for indoor moisture buffering

Once in contact with the indoor air, hygroscopic materials can moderate the indoor humidity fluctuation by adsorbing or releasing water vapour, and then improve the moisture regulation and thermal management of buildings. It is desirable to explore the characterized properties of these materials about moisture buffering behaviour. In this regard, we review various hygroscopic materials used for the built environment control. The hygrothermal properties of hygroscopic materials often can be characterized by some parameters, such as water vapour adsorption/desorption capacity, water vapour adsorption/desorption rate, water vapour diffusion coefficient, and so on. To provide an insight on the existing research on humidity control materials, different research studies and the recent progress on humidity control materials have been summarized. The materials include traditional and conventional building materials, some natural materials, and novel humidity control materials. Besides, the relevant parameters are considered as well as the improvement suggestions to enhance the application of humidity control materials in building environments. Finally, new multifunctional materials and intelligent moisture control materials together with the corresponding systems are collated to summarize the latest research trends. The overview of the application of hygroscopic materials can provide current and future researchers guidelines for the science-oriented design of moisture control systems for new energy-efficient buildings.

Laboratory Measurement and Boundary Conditions for the Water Vapour Resistivity Properties of Typical Australian Impermeable and Smart Pliable Membranes

The duo of better insulated and more air-tight envelopes without appropriate consideration of water vapour diffusion and envelope moisture management has often demonstrated an increased potential of moisture accumulation, interstitial condensation, and mould growth within the building envelope. To inform a resilient, energy efficient, and healthy building design, long-term transient hygrothermal modelling are required. Since 2008, concern has been raised to the Australian building regulators regarding the need to establish the vapour diffusion properties of construction materials, in order to develop a hygrothermal regulatory framework. This paper discusses the results from laboratory testing of the vapour diffusion properties of two common reflective pliable membranes, and one smart pliable membrane. The two reflective pliable membranes are often used within the exterior walls of Australian buildings. The smart pliable membrane is a relatively new, internationally available product. The three membranes were tested as per ISO 12,572 at 23 °C and 50% RH. To establish if the vapour resistivity properties were constant, under different relative humidity conditions, the membranes were further tested at 23 °C and relative humidity values of 35%, 65%, and 80%. The results of the three pliable membranes show that the vapour resistivity properties varied in a non-linear (dynamic) manner subject to relative humidity. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that regardless of the class, each of the tested membrane types behaved differently under varying relative humidity and pressure gradients within the testing laboratory.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTILAYER TEXTILE STRUCTURES FOR FILTERING APPLICATIONS – A NEW SURGICAL MASK APPROACH

Universal mask use has emerged as one of the main strategies for reducing community transmission of the SARS-COV-2 virus. Due to the scarcity of material to produce disposable surgical masks, the governmental strategy was oriented to the community masks, even though performance levels were still not the same. This study intended to develop a new generation of surgical masks with different warp knit structures, evaluating the potential of multilayer gradient performance. The assembling methodology was also considered by modifying flat-bed calendering process parameters and manipulating final structures into a new origami design concept, and the overall mask filtration performance was reviewed. The overlapping of monolayers increased the substrate resistance to air and water vapour permeability, also influencing the water molecule's adhesion. The introduction of the web allowed a better layer assembling during the flat-bad process. Moreover, the breathability and water vapour diffusion are compromised since the adhesive web with temperature tends to merge and occupy the empty spaces between the layers. Moving forward, calendared structures without a web proved to be the best approach, meeting the certification criteria for surgical masks level I and II.

Mechanical–Chemical Coupling Effects on an Environmental Barrier Coating System under High-Temperature Water Vapour Conditions

The degradation mechanisms for environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) under high-temperature water vapour conditions are vital for the service of aero-engine blades. This study proposes a theoretical model of high-temperature water vapour corrosion coupled with deformation, mass diffusion and chemical reaction based on the continuum thermodynamics and the actual water vapour corrosion mechanisms of an EBC system. The theoretical model is suitable for solving the stress and strain fields, water vapour concentration distribution and coating corrosion degree of an EBC system during the water vapour corrosion process. The results show that the thickness of the corrosion zone on the top of the EBC system depended on water vapour diffusion, which had the greatest influence on the corrosion process. The top corroded area of the rare-earth silicate EBC system was significantly evident, and there was a clear dividing line between the un-corroded and corroded regions.

Research of Wood Waste as a Potential Filler for Loose-Fill Building Insulation: Appropriate Selection and Incorporation into Polyurethane Biocomposite Foams

Currently, the recycling potential of wood waste (WW) is still limited, and in a resource efficiency approach, recycling WW in insulation materials, such as polyurethane (PUR), appears as an appropriate solution. It is known that the quality of WW is the main aspect which influences the stability of the final products. Therefore, the current study analyses different WW-based fillers as possible modifiers for polyurethane biocomposite foams for the application as loose-fill materials in building envelopes. During the study of WW-based fillers, it was determined that the most promising filler is wood scobs (WS) with a thermal conductivity of 0.0496 W/m·K, short-term water absorption by partial immersion—12.5 kg/m2, water vapour resistance—0.34 m2·h·Pa/mg and water vapour diffusion resistance factor—2.4. In order to evaluate the WS performance as a filler in PUR biocomposite foams, different ratios of PUR binder and WS filler (PURb/WS) were selected. It was found that a 0.40 PURb/WS ratio is insufficient for the appropriate wetting of WS filler while a 0.70 PURb/WS ratio produced PUR biocomposite foams with the most suitable performance: thermal conductivity reduced from 0.0523 to 0.0476 W/m·K, water absorption—from 5.6 to 1.3 kg/m2, while the compressive strength increased from 142 to 272 kPa and the tensile strength increased from 44 to 272 kPa.

Basic Physical, Mechanical, Thermal and Hygric Properties of Concrete with Coarse Aggregates Fabricated from Recycled Concrete Pavements

Concrete production unfavourably affects the environment due to high energy demands of cement production and consumption of limited natural resources. Therefore, waste utilization in fabrication of cementitious material is beneficial and legitimate. Significant reduction of environmental impact can be secured by utilization of various types of wastes or byproducts used for a partial substitution of cement binder or aggregates. However, the use of waste materials usually leads to deterioration of material properties of the designed composites. Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly investigate important materials properties to verify performance and practical usability of the newly designed materials. In this paper, three types of concrete mixes were designed. The reference concrete involved fine and coarse natural riverbed aggregates and two other mixes were designed using both, natural and recycled aggregates represented by crushed concrete paving cobbles. Concretes were tested in terms of basic physical properties (bulk density), mechanical properties (compressive strength), thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity), and hygric properties (water vapour diffusion resistance factor, water vapour sorption at 97% RH, water absorption coefficient, moisture diffusivity) and experimentally determined data were compared and discussed. It was observed that materials properties of concretes with recycled aggregates are comparable with those of the reference concrete which is a promising fact from the environmental point of view.

Effect of Mineral Filler Compounds on Vapor Permeability and Hygroscopic Properties of Water-Based Polymer Dispersions

The effect of mineral filler compounds on vapor permeability and hygroscopic properties of water-based polymer dispersions and the possibility of their use as decorative and protective material for stucco facades finishing was studied. According to Facade Protection Theory (H.M. Künzel), the assessment criterion was vapor permeability and water vapor diffusivity. The pairwise correlation of building physical properties of water-based polymer dispersions in the coordinates of Künzel's diagram clearly demonstrates that, in terms of hygroscopic, all the samples studied correspond to the low hygroscopic class, and in terms of vapor, they are close to high water vapour diffusion rate class.