Definition
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ZELFO
is an ecological material free of synthetic
binders or adhesives that can be produced from
a large variety of cellulose fibre based 100% renewable raw materials.
•
ZELFO
is formable in 2 and 3 dimensions as a flexible
and robust material solution.
•
ZELFO
1 and 2. Historically Zelfo had mineral binders (i.e. chalk) this version is known as Zelfo 1. This material version is
still useful based on its mouldability
and high sound absorption. Zelfo 2 is without additional binders and is the primary
subject of this website. The hemp only version
of Zelfo, (used for musical instruments) is
known also as 'Hempstone'. Both 'Zeoform' and 'Hempstone' are based on the Zelfo process.
Properties
Raw
Materials:
Material
Competent:
By use of a patented method, organic raw materials are specially
processed. This ensures the potential of naturally occurring cellulose fibres
within the material can be exploited to create exceptional mechanical bonding
properties. A mix of both raw and recycled materials is possible when particular
end product properties are required. All raw materials containing cellulose in sufficient
concentration can be utilized for the production
of Zelfo.
Renewable
Materials: Reed, straw, flax, hemp, miscanthus,
sugar-cane, sisal, jute etc.
Recycled
Materials: Waste paper, excess cellulose from the paper
industry, old textiles, brewery draff, spinning
mill
dust from hemp and flax processing etc
Ecological
considerations:
Due to purely mechanical processing and absence
of any additional 'chemistry' in the production of Zelfo,
the material has a very favourable ecological
balance. A Lifecycle Analysis of Zelfo
reveals the material to be virtually without
impact from "cradle to grave"
Environmental
Testing: The CML-method evaluation system
proved that only trimmed timber
and 100% recycled aluminium have better environmental
values.
Technical
Performance Properties Summary:
In
the chart below the properties
of Zelfo (made from raw Hemp and Hemp cellulose)
are compared to conventional thermoplastic
synthetic materials and timber based materials:-
HG= Hemp (Natural
plant) HZ = (Hemp Cellulose)
Flamability:
Hemp based Zelfo
is fire resistant up to around 140 degrees Celcius.
Further fortification is possible using
special material mixes.
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