Nonwoven Sisal Fiber as Thermal Insulator Material

The present study describes experiments carried out to analyze the effects of superficial treatment on the thermal performance of needlepunched nonwoven sisal fiber used as thermal insulation material. Nonwovens with gramature 1300-1400 g/m(2) in natura and treated (2% w/w sodium hydroxide) were used to the thermal insulation of a tube of steel internally heated by electric resistance. The samples were submitted to three heating levels: 22.5 W, 40 W, and 62.5 W, corresponding respectively to 77 degrees C, 112 degrees C, and 155 degrees C. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out and the thermal conductivity was determined.