Empa expertise for industry: Franziska Grüneberger and Willi Senn developed a new binding technique that renders the isofloc insulating material more fireproof than before. Image: Empa
Scientists at Empa teamed up with isofloc AG to develop an insulating material made of recycled paper. It is ideal for prefabricated wooden elements and even multistory timber houses, and protects the construction against fire. What's more: The additive it contains is harmless to humans, animals and the environment. Franziska Grüneberger looks contented; clutching a nondescript cube made of grey flakes in her hand the researcher in the laborato-ry for applied wood materials has achieved her goal: Very little chemistry went into the cube, but no shortage of technical expertise. The tiny object is "living" proof that giant mountains of waste paper can be transformed into a valuable, fireproof insulating material - a big step to save fossil fuels. Not that anyone could tell just by looking at it. The secret lies in what the recycled paper fiber cube doesn't do: crumble.
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