The current context provides, worldwide, the need to identify solutions for the thermal efficiency of constructions, through sustainable and innovative methods and products. A viable solution is to produce thermal insulating products by carding-folding technology, using natural fibres and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and polyester (rPES) waste, converted to fibres. This paper presents experimental results obtained after testing several thermal insulation composite products produced using a mix of sheep wool, cellulose, rPET and rPES fibres. The results of the research demonstrate the thermal insulation properties but, at the same time, identify the benefits of using such materials on the quality of the air in the interior space (the ability to adjust humidity and reduce the concentration of harmful substances). At the same time, the advantages of using sheep wool composite mattresses concerning their resistance to insect attack is demonstrated when compared with ordinary thermal insulation materials. Finally, sensitivity elements of these composites are observed in terms of sensitivity to mould, and to contact with water or soil, drawing future research directions in the development of this type of materials.
Currently, the need to ensure adequate quality of air inside the living space but also the thermal efficiency of buildings is pressing. This paper presents the capacity of sheep wool heat-insulating mattresses to simultaneously provide these needs, cumulatively analyzing efficiency indicators for thermal insulation and indicators of improving air quality. Thus, the values obtained for the coefficient of thermal conductivity, and its resistance to heat transfer, demonstrate the suitability of their use for thermal insulation. The results of the permeability to water vapor characteristics on the sorption/desorption of water, air, demonstrate the ability to control the humidity of the indoor air and the results on the reduction of the concentration of formaldehyde, demonstrating their contribution to the growth of the quality of the air, and to reduce the risk of disease in the population.