Sustainable fire-resistant composite with thermal insulation
Qbic Materials presents a sustainable composite panel utilizing recycled PET and borax-treated wood fiber for high-performance thermal insulation and fire resistance. This innovative solution achieves a class A fire rating with an R-value of 7+, suitable for building applications.
Overview
Qbic Materials has developed a cutting-edge composite insulation panel that balances thermal efficiency, fire safety, and sustainability. This innovative solution integrates recycled PET films with borax-treated wood fiber batting to form a lightweight, compact panel. Ideal for the building industry, these panels offer a class A fire rating and R-values exceeding 7, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional insulations. The use of machine learning ensures optimal composition and quality, reducing waste and enhancing production margins.
Technical specifications
- Recycled PET Films: Lightweight rigid films made from 100% recycled PET, providing an R-value of 7+.
- Borax-treated Wood Fiber Batting: Ensures fire resistance with optimized density and borax content.
- Machine Learning Optimization: Used to perfect panel thickness, density, and composition, achieving a compact size of ≤25 mm.
- Composite Architecture: Features mechanical interlock and various assembly techniques to enhance durability and performance.
- Mass Production Ready: Components are designed for scalable manufacturing, ensuring rapid market adoption.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 2, with ongoing research to refine the insulation layer, fire-resistant batting, and composite architecture. Future testing will focus on optimizing adhesion, thermal performance, and fire reaction properties to meet industry standards.
About Washington State University
Washington State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university serving the state through a multi‑campus system anchored in Pullman. Industry engagement runs through a research and technology park in Pullman, a health sciences campus in Spokane integrated with regional hospitals, and a statewide extension network linking faculty with companies and communities. The Tri‑Cities campus sits minutes from a U.S. Department of Energy national lab, enabling collaborations, shared facilities access, and talent pipelines for regulated sectors. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, DOE, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup support, complemented by incubator and pilot‑scale resources.
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