Experimental Investigation of Thermal Conductivity on Natural Fiber (Jute) Reinforced Composites

This work is concerned with the evaluation of the effect of chemical treatment and fiber content on the thermal conductivity of natural fiber reinforced composites. This work seems an opportunity of enhancement on insulation capability of a typical natural fiber reinforced polymer composite Composites were fabricated using untreated jute and sisal fiber/epoxy, treated jute and sisal fiber/epoxy, with constant fiber loadings. The jute and sisal fibers are treated with 5% of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for one hour and the specimens where fabricated by compression molding technique using untreated and alkali treated fibers. The fiber content in the composite is kept between 20% - 40% of Weight fraction (wt). The variations in the thermal conductivity are studied. A greater reduction of in the value of thermal conductivity is recorded with increase of fiber content in epoxy resin. With light weight and reduced heat conductivity, these insulative, fibers reinforced polymer is composites finds their potential applications in insulation boards, food containers, thermo flask, building materials.