Search for non-toxic, vegetable-based, self-expanding, insulative rigid foam

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cellulose+foam&btnG=Google+Search

While you're at it:

M A K E I T F I R E P R O O F !!!

There is a soy based urethane replacement:http://www.heatlok-soya.com/

Yes--I'm familiar with Demilec Heatlok Soy, which is about 56% soy derived, I believe--it sets up as closed-cell and quite rigid as well--problems are 1) it tends to generate rather a lot of heat during the expansion process, so they recommend not more than about 1.5 inches in one pass, so it would take about three passes about four hours apart to reach depth I would like; 2) I have yet to pin someone down on the type/cost/complexity of equipment needed to apply; 3) I'm concerned about toxic outgassing, which again Demilec provides very little info--I've looked at Icynene www.icynene.com as well, very interesting product, but requires highly specialized equipment and training to apply.

I had used semi rigid polyurethane sheets draped over wire screen then sprayed with resin to form parts for vehicle bodies and for acoustic appliances. I don't know of this type procedure using an organic based fire resistant colloid.

A quilted type cloth with integral baffles then filled with vegetable based foam...hm...could also impregnate fire retardants ...

One thought had been to use compressed air to foam up a pour-in-place material of Ironweed/Castorbean material, and form panels in the manner of "tilt-up" concrete structures, but we would like to have as seamless a structure as possible.

This may be the best solution and then coat with a latex?

yes--and yurts as well

http://www.cpifoam.com/

this is one of many sites -- i would not be as worried about the "green" potential - as the energy and cost saving of the final marketed product. reason being:

all natural oils can be used in biodiesel and are therefore priced as petroleum in the market - the creation of Polyol - a component ot the reactive mixture requires processing beyond the biodiesel step adding costs

in the case of soy - the activity was to raise the price of beans - not save the planet

if you are in asia - as you point out castor is the best choice (not imported economically to north america, then palm oil polyol from Malaysia.

rigid materials however can contain the highest percentage of these natural oil materials

as you are not registered - i would be glad to point you to contacts - having better understanding of your objective - modular panel - for example - Centria - have been produced for quite a while

best of luck

bruce

bruce@urethaneconsulting.com

You may want to check out this link. http://www.sprayfoam.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=84

There is a product called Greensulate.

It may not be as rapid an installation as you are seeking, but since this material may provide fireproofing as well as reducing the amount of toxins created the benifits may be worth the inconvience.

This was featured on the TV show Invention Nation.

Good Luck,

Marc

Perhaps not exactly what you are looking for, but you might look for polyurethane 2-component , closed cell, low density foams based on Linseed oil, and possibly Castor Oil. The R values can be quite impressive. Contact some of the larger PU suppliers for information and guidance.

Look up "bini-shell" construction.

Plastic sheet laid on ground, re-inforcement laid on that, air pumped inside/underneath the plastic sheet to raise it to full height, then entire thing coated with concrete. Concrete sets and plastic form is deflated and re-used.

The four that I've seen are used as baskeball stadium in schools in Newcastle in Australia.

If you can find a lighter (cheaper to transport) replacement for the concrete then you're probably on a winner.

Good luck.