Zelfo Production Characteristics

Ecological factors during production

Raw materials:

A wide variety of cellulose-based raw or recycled materials can be used, requiring no petrochemical products or additional binders in the forming process.

Recycled material usage:

A broad range of waste and recycled materials with high cellulose content can be used to make Zelfo material, i.e. old paper. Locally sourced waste materials may reduce costs, help local communities, and reduce the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process.

Virgin raw materials:

Hemp and flax form Zelfo with high strength and flexural properties. Others raw materials include wood fibre, reed, straw, miscanthus, sugar-cane, sisal, and jute. The selection of locally sourced raw materials for the Zelfo manufacturing process can also help support regional agricultural communities.

Manufacturing Processes

Wet, semi-dry or dry material:

Zelfo can be converted into an end product on-site or supplied in dry form for further processing by a product manufacturer.

Flat product (boards):

Currently available as a sheet material (up to 650×650x10 mm) through Zelfo Technology’s pilot plant.

Zelfo material properties

Variable density:

As light as cork or as dense as PVC.

Low/Medium density (0.5 to 0.9 g/cm3):

Heat and sound insulation and some structural properties.

High density (1.0 to 1.5 g/cm3):

Structural properties with insulation properties similar to MDF; for applications ranging from thin film light transmitting screens to robust product casings.

Water resistance:

The hydrophilic nature of Zelfo may be modulated, in accordance with application requirements, via the incorporation of internal and surface sealants.

Fire resistance:

High density Zelfo has inherently good fire resistance properties (Bfs/s1 rating according to BS EN 13501). Performance can be enhanced further by the addition of fire resistant compounds. US compliance testing underway.

Materials comparison:

Zelfo compared to conventional thermoplastic and timber-based materials

	Density [g/cm3]	Tensile Modulus [MPa]	Tensile Strength [MPa]	Flexual Strength [MPa]	Impact Modulus [MPa]	Strenght unnotched	Strenght [kJ/m2] notched
Zelfo HG	0.5	1500	7	17	1800	2	1
Zelfo HZ	1.5	6550	55	95	9400	14a)	6a)
PE-HD	0.95	1000	25b)	-	-	-c)	15
PVC-U	1.4	3000	60b)	100	-	-c)	≥2
PF-HM)	1.4	-	25	≥70	7000	≥6	≥1.5
Chipboard	0.7	-	-	18	1800	-	-
a) Underground Specimens b) Yield Strength c) No Fracture

HG= Hemp (Natural plant) HZ = (Hemp Cellulose)
(These figures are provided for illustration purposes. Results taken during development of Zelfo made from raw hemp and hemp cellulose. Results will vary according to raw material source and manufacturing method.)

Surface and texture:

Flat, smooth, textured, or mottled.

Finish:

Through-body or surface treated; unfinished, matte, or glossy.

Colour:

Natural, surface treated, or through-body; neutral and vibrant tones are possible. A non-petrochemical, single process (low energy) option for many projects requiring ColorCore^® or standard laminate solutions.