Thermal properties of sisal/cattail fiber reinforced polyester composites

Abstract

Natural fibres have been the subject of intensive research in the recent past due to their eco-friendly and renewable nature, in addition to other attractive advantages. The current study evaluated the thermal properties of sisal/cattail fibre-reinforced polyester composites. The composites were fabricated by a hand lay-up technique at varying hybrid fibre weight fractions (5 to 25 wt.%) while maintaining a constant fibre blend ratio of 50/50. Composites were also prepared at constant fibre weight fraction of 20% while varying the fibre blend ratio between 0 and 100%. The thermal conductivity of the hybrid composites decreased by 2.93%, 23.4%, 4.31%, and 20.39% for 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, and 20-25wt.% hybrid fibre loadings, respectively. At a constant hybrid fibre weight fraction of 15%, thermal conductivity of the hybrid composites increased as the percentage of sisal fibres in the hybrid increased from 0%–100%. Thus the hybrid composites may be suitable for non-structural applications as ceiling boards, walls, room partitioning, door panels, and electronic and food packaging. Further studies should investigate the wettability, biodegradability, and flammability of the hybrid composites.