Abstract
A one-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to simulate the heat transfer of oriented natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites during hot-pressing and provide guidance for determining appropriate hot-pressing parameters. The apparent heat capacity of thermoplastics due to the heat of fusion was included in the model, and the model was experimentally verified by monitoring the internal temperature during the hot-pressing process of oriented sorghum fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film composites (OFPCs). The results showed that the apparent heat capacity of HDPE accurately described its heat fusion of melting and simplified the governing energy equations. The data predicted by the model were consistent with the experimental data. The thermal conduction efficiency increased with the mat density and HDPE content during hot-pressing, and a higher mat density resulted in a higher mat core temperature. The addition of HDPE delayed heat transfer, and the mat had a lower core temperature at a higher HDPE content after reaching the melting temperature of HDPE. Both the experimental and simulated data suggested that a higher temperature and/or a longer duration during the hot-pressing process should be used to fabricate OFPC as the HDPE content increases.
Highlights
In our previously carried out studies [2,3,4], oriented sorghum fiber reinforced thermoplastic film composites (OFPCs) were manufactured with a modulus of rupture of 37.2 MPa, a modulus of elasticity of 4.7 GPa, and a thickness swelling of 2.8%
The heat flow results for the empty holder, standard sapphire, and two platens heated to 160 °C for 10 min aluminum at a target thickness of 15 mm, followed byHDPE
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) content contentduring duringhot-pressing hot-pressingwith withthose thosepredicted predictedby bythe themodel
Summary
Natural fibers reinforced thermoplastic composites have been commercially developed to take advantage of the low cost and high strength and stiffness of natural fibers to reinforce the matrix. These composites save petrochemical polymers and are almost climate-neutral as natural fibers absorb exactly the amount of harmful greenhouse gases from the atmosphere during their growth [1]. Hot-pressing or compression molding between two heated platens is commonly used to fabricate natural fiber composite panels because it can be used to produce final products with higher fiber loading and large size fibers/fiber bundles compared with extrusion and injection moulding. Heat is transported by conduction from the hot platens to the mat surface and to the interior of the mat by conduction and convection
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