Energy renovation in historic buildings requires balancing architectural, historical, and esthetic preservation with eco-friendly and sustainable refurbishment. This study develops a novel bio-based polyurethane (bio-PUR) foam and evaluates its thermal and mechanical properties through laboratory tests, real-scale applications, and numerical simulations. Laboratory tests show that bio-PUR has higher mechanical strength than conventional PUR and comparable thermal performance, with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK, confirmed using nitrogen thermal control. A real-scale test, conducted in a laboratory at the University of Sannio in wintertime, validated the material’s performance, showing only a 4% deviation from theoretical thermal transmittance values and consistent heat flux data. Numerical simulations applied bio-PUR foam in two historical buildings in Milan and Naples, comparing it to traditional insulation materials. Primary energy demand for heating is reduced in both climates, with a slight higher efficacy for traditional PUR, because of its lower thermal conductivity. Similar trends were observed in summer season. Indoor air temperature analysis revealed improved thermal stability with bio-PUR in winter, while potential overheating in summer can occur under free-running conditions. Overall, bio-based PUR foam provides competitive thermal properties and environmental benefits, resulting in a promising solution for the green, resilient, and sustainable renovation of heritage buildings.
A novel bio-based polyurethane foam for eco-friendly and sustainable refurbishment of heritage buildings
De Masi R. F.;Mastellone M.;Mauro G. M.;Ruggiero S.;Russo A.;Tariello F.;Vanoli G. P.;Verdolotti L.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Energy renovation in historic buildings requires balancing architectural, historical, and esthetic preservation with eco-friendly and sustainable refurbishment. This study develops a novel bio-based polyurethane (bio-PUR) foam and evaluates its thermal and mechanical properties through laboratory tests, real-scale applications, and numerical simulations. Laboratory tests show that bio-PUR has higher mechanical strength than conventional PUR and comparable thermal performance, with a thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/mK, confirmed using nitrogen thermal control. A real-scale test, conducted in a laboratory at the University of Sannio in wintertime, validated the material’s performance, showing only a 4% deviation from theoretical thermal transmittance values and consistent heat flux data. Numerical simulations applied bio-PUR foam in two historical buildings in Milan and Naples, comparing it to traditional insulation materials. Primary energy demand for heating is reduced in both climates, with a slight higher efficacy for traditional PUR, because of its lower thermal conductivity. Similar trends were observed in summer season. Indoor air temperature analysis revealed improved thermal stability with bio-PUR in winter, while potential overheating in summer can occur under free-running conditions. Overall, bio-based PUR foam provides competitive thermal properties and environmental benefits, resulting in a promising solution for the green, resilient, and sustainable renovation of heritage buildings.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
