Effect of Fiber Orientations on Thermal Properties of PALF Reinforced Bisphenol: A Composite

Abstract

Composites consist of two or more phases that are usually processed separately and then bonded, resulting in properties that are different from those of either of the component materials. Polymer matrix composites generally combine high-strength, high-stiffness fibers (graphite, kevlar, etc.) with low-density matrix materials (epoxy, polyvinyl, etc.) to produce strong & stiff materials that are lightweight,use of natural fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites for technical application has been a research subject of scientist. Pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) is one of them that have also good potential as reinforcement in polymer composite. In this present work, an experimental study has been conducted to determine the effect of fiber orientation, namely, unidirectional, bidirectional and 45º orientation on thermal properties such as specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of PALF reinforced Bisphenol-A (BPA) composite. This study shows, increase in specific heat and decrease in thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of Bisphenol-A resin after PALF reinforcement. Among three types of fiber orientation in composite, 45º orientation composite gives the best results.