Thermophysical properties of natural fibre reinforced polyester composites

Thermal conductivity, diffusivity and specific heat of polyester/natural fibre (banana/sisal) composites were investigated as function of filler concentration and for several fibre surface treatments. The thermophysical behaviour of hybrid pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) and glass fibre reinforced polyester composites has been also evaluated for a constant total fibre loading of 0.40 V-f by varying the ratio of PALE and glass. The results show that chemical treatment of the fibres reduces the composite thermal contact resistance. Hybridisation of natural fibre with glass allows a significantly better heat transport ability of the composite. The thermal conductivity measured in the direction transverse to the plane of composite plate could be well represented by a series prediction model. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.