Natural CaCO₃ improves the moisture resistance and mechanical performance of hemp-starch biocomposites: A multi-objective optimization study
Abstract
Bio-based insulation materials provide a sustainable alternative for reducing the environmental impact of buildings, but their application can be limited by insufficient mechanical strength and moisture sensitivity. This study investigates hemp-shives/starch composites incorporating natural calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to improve their mechanical and moisture-related performance. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to optimize the composite formulation. The optimal formulation increased compressive strength by 38% and improved water resistance by 29% compared with the reference material, while maintaining a low thermal conductivity of 0.056 W/m⋅K. CaCO₃ incorporation reduced capillary water absorption and surface wettability and improved the cohesion of the composite. SEM, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and ultrasonic measurements revealed a reduction in pore volume and a refinement of the pore structure. Hygrothermal characterization further indicated improved moisture buffering and controlled vapor transport. TGA and FTIR analyses supported enhanced thermal stability and interactions between the mineral and bio-based phases. Overall, the results demonstrate that natural CaCO₃ can effectively enhance the mechanical and moisture-related performance of hemp-starch insulation composites while preserving their thermal insulation properties, highlighting their potential for sustainable building applications.
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BibTeX
@article{balti2026natural,
title = {{Natural CaCO₃ improves the moisture resistance and mechanical performance of hemp-starch biocomposites: A multi-objective optimization study}},
author = {Sameh Balti and Chadi Maalouf and Tala Moussa and Christophe Bliard and Mohammed Lachi and Céline Rousse and Obada Alsedeh and Patricia Vazquez and Fabien Bogard and Guillaume Polidori},
journal = {Case Studies in Construction Materials},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1016/j.cscm.2026.e06574},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05767619v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Natural CaCO₃ improves the moisture resistance and mechanical performance of hemp-starch biocomposites: A multi-objective optimization study
AU - Sameh Balti
AU - Chadi Maalouf
AU - Tala Moussa
AU - Christophe Bliard
AU - Mohammed Lachi
AU - Céline Rousse
AU - Obada Alsedeh
AU - Patricia Vazquez
AU - Fabien Bogard
AU - Guillaume Polidori
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/25
JO - Case Studies in Construction Materials
DO - 10.1016/j.cscm.2026.e06574
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05767619v1
AB - Bio-based insulation materials provide a sustainable alternative for reducing the environmental impact of buildings, but their application can be limited by insufficient mechanical strength and moisture sensitivity. This study investigates hemp-shives/starch composites incorporating natural calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to improve their mechanical and moisture-related performance. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a Central Composite Design (CCD) was used to optimize the composite formulation. The optimal formulation increased compressive strength by 38% and improved water resistance by 29% compared with the reference material, while maintaining a low thermal conductivity of 0.056 W/m⋅K. CaCO₃ incorporation reduced capillary water absorption and surface wettability and improved the cohesion of the composite. SEM, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and ultrasonic measurements revealed a reduction in pore volume and a refinement of the pore structure. Hygrothermal characterization further indicated improved moisture buffering and controlled vapor transport. TGA and FTIR analyses supported enhanced thermal stability and interactions between the mineral and bio-based phases. Overall, the results demonstrate that natural CaCO₃ can effectively enhance the mechanical and moisture-related performance of hemp-starch insulation composites while preserving their thermal insulation properties, highlighting their potential for sustainable building applications.
SN - 2214-5095
ER -