Moisture absorption, thermal conductivity and noise mitigation of clay based plasters: The influence of mineralogical and textural characteristics

Abstract

Three pre-mixed clay based plasters successfully employed in green building practices in several European countries (Spain, France, Germany, and United Kingdom), mainly used for interior wall coating and finishing, were tested in this paper. Their compositional and textural characteristics as well as plastic behaviour were investigated through a multi-analytical approach in a previous paper. A natural earth (Terra Rossa red soil sampled in north-western Sicily), theoretically appropriate for the production of earthen plaster, was also subjected to the same analytical routine and compared with the three commercially available products. Humidity control capacity by the determination of the equilibrium moisture content, sound absorption coefficient and thermal conductivity of these ‘green’ building materials were tested according to the Italian and European regulations. The achieved results allowed the individuation of the compositional and textural features that primarily influence the performances of the studied clay based plasters. The obtained data are expected to be also useful in the selection of suitable raw materials and directing the local manufacture of innovative products.