Kevin Rebong Bob Longo Arch-152 Research Paper - Linoleum Material specifications o o Master specification number of linoleum: 09 65 43 Manufacturer(s)

) The leading manufacturers of linoleum are ! ! ! ! ! o o o Material application What is the materials intended or primary use? Flooring/Floor covering List any emerging or innovative material applications ! o While there havent been any innovative applications, linoleum is re-emerging as a popular floor covering due to its sustainable qualities. Physical properties ! Finish: Linoleum can come in a wide variety of saturated, vivid colors, in patterns of earth tones, marbled, flecked, or graphic designs. Armstrong World Industries (Lancaster, PA) Congoleum Corporation (Mercerville, NJ) Forbo Linoleum (Humboldt Ind Park, PA and the UK) Handpainted Floorcloths (Rochester, NY) Tarkett Sommer (Whitehall, PA)

Is there a common generic term for this material? Lino/Linoleum

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Surface forms/shapes: Linoleum comes in sheets and is purchased per square foot. Dimensions (Height, Width, Depth): Linoleum sheets are bought per sheet, typically 6-7 feet long. Floating linoleum comes in squares usually in 12x12 inch squares. Typically, linoleum thickness for residential units is 2mm -3.2mm

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Weight (specify units): Depending on the thickness, linoleum can weigh 4oz 16oz. ! Manufacturers can treat linoleum by inserting an insulating layer into it. It can reduce the decibel value of the flooring and impact sound reduction.

Acoustic properties

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Structural properties ! ! Non-structural: Linoleum has no structural properties and is considered a dead load. A specialist typically installs linoleum, however people can still do it themselves. Linoleum is installed easily by squares by using an adhesive to set in the flooring. In order to secure it to the subfloor, it should be rolled using heavy 100 lb. rollers to adhere it in place. Installing linoleum is an intermediate level project. Installation methods

Cost analysis ! Price per SF or applicable cost measurement: The average cost of linoleum installed is between $3$5 per square foot, depending on the type of product used. It is effectively cheaper and a bargain compared to tile and wood flooring.

Material background o How is the material made? ! A mixture of linseed oil and resins create linoleum cement. The cement is then combined with limestone, cork, wood powder, and mineral pigments. The mixture is rolled out through calendaring (between 2 cylinders), onto jute backing. The flooring is then cured for 2-3 weeks and a finish is applied. o What are its components and where do those components come from? ! Linoleum is made of natural materials. The primary ingredient is linseed oil, which is found in flax plants. Other ingredients include resins, powdered cork, limestone, wood powder, natural pigments, and jute fabric. ! Place of origin / raw state / composition

The flax plants that contain linseed oil are typically grown in loam soil. It grows well in cooler climates. The countries that produce the most flax plant are Canada, China, Russia, and India.

What is the process to make the material? ! Harvesting / manufacturing process: The flax plant is harvested either mechanically or manually. The seed is separated from the rest of the plant through a process called threshing. The seed is pressed by an expeller machine, extracting the oil.

What are the byproducts of the process? ! The benefits of linoleum include the use of all natural products. It is naturally sustainable as a LEEDs product.

Does the material have any Historical or cultural significance? ! Linoleum was the most popular floor covering in the 1900-1950s, but has regained popularity due to its sustainability and the green movement.

Environmental impact o Expected life expectancy in a commercial application ! o Linoleum has the ability to last between 20-40 years, depending on its maintenance; making it very cost effective compared to vinyl, which lasts for 10-20 years. Maintenance requirements ! o Linoleum cannot be immersed in water. Its maintenance simply requires sweeping and vacuuming with a mild detergent. Recycling / biodegradability opportunities ! Linoleum, although replaced by PVC/vinyl flooring, is regaining popularity due to its green properties. It is made of organic, natural materials and non-allergenic, non-toxic, and easy to maintain. These applications make it popular for healthcare and educational units in addition residential homes.