Natural earth plasters are experiencing a renaissance in sustainable building. Earth plasters may fulfill many functions in straw bale wall system, such as protecting the underlying surface, enhancing or preventing the migration of vapor or liquid moisture, mitigating the migration of air currents and carrying structural loads. Earthen plasters incorporating chopped straw are commonly used in the construction of straw bale walls because the straw provides tensile strength and is readily available. Earth plaster usually comprises three components, namely binder, aggregate and reinforcement. On the other hand, faced with the worldwide shortage of forest resources, the construction industry is showing interest in the production of particleboard from agricultural residues. |
