MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF Typha angustifolia NATURAL FIBER-REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITES

Partially biodegradable Typha angustifolia natural fiber-reinforced polyester composites were prepared. The fiber content in the composites was varied from similar to 18.3% to 35.5% by volume, and the mechanical properties in each case were determined. The thermal conductivity of these composites at 333K temperature was also determined. The mechanical properties increased with increase in fiber content. Further, the density and thermal conductivity of the composites were found to decrease with increase in fiber content.