Characteristics of Sisal Fibre/Epoxy Composites: Thermal Conductivity Assay

Abstract

In the current study, sisal fibres reinforced epoxy composites were developed in two forms as untreated sisal fibres and treated. The thermal conductivity of the developed composites with different volume fractions of fibres was determined. Optimum volume fraction is identified from mechanical and thermal point of views. The effect of the treated fibres on the impact toughness and hardness of their composites with epoxy resin was also studied. Scanning electron microscopy of the surfaces of the treated and untreated fibres showed that the chemical treatment processes enhanced the removal of surface impurities and therefore increased the roughness of the surfaces of the fibres. Many industrial and academic sectors are aiming to use natural fibres in civil engineering to reduce the environmental impact of synthetic fibres. Utilizing natural fibre composites in insulation components is one of their potential uses. . Thermal behaviour of polymer composites based on natural fibres is recent ongoing research. In this article, thermal characteristics of sisal fibre reinforced epoxy composites are evaluated for treated and untreated fibres considering different volume fractions of 0–30%. The results revealed that the increase in the fibre volume fraction increased the insulation performance of the composites for both treated and untreated fibres. More than 200% insulation rate was achieved at the volume fraction of 20% of treated sisal fibres. Untreated fibres showed about 400% insulation rate; however, it is not recommended to use untreated fibres from mechanical point of view. The results indicated that there is potential of using the developed composites for insulation purposes. Treated fibres are recommended for the composites fabrication. However, further study is required to identify the optimum volume fraction of the sisal fibres from mechanical point of views.