Effect of cenosphere on thermal conductivity of bamboo fibre reinforced composites

Abstract

The present study attempts to explore the possibilities of utilising industrial waste as filler material in bamboo fibre reinforced composites. Cenosphere, a mixture of alumina and silicon rich industrial waste produced during burning of coal in thermal power plants, is used as filler material in this study. It's use in composites would address environmental and economic concern arising in storage and handling of enormous quantity of waste discharged by the thermal power plants. In order to determine the heat insulation property of this polymer composites with varying bamboo fibre (18, 28, 33, 43 wt%) and cenosphere filler (0, 2.5, 3, 4.5, 6 wt%) content, thermal conductivity test is performed by using Lee’s disc apparatus. Experimental results reveal that with the increase in fibre loading, the thermal conductivity of the composite decreases and it is minimum at 43 wt% of fibre. It is also found that introduction of cenosphere fillers on bamboo fibre reinforced composite results in further reduction of its thermal conductivity. Hence improved thermal insulation property of these composites can be gainfully utilised in insulation application. The thermal conductivity of these composites is also evaluated by using Finite Element Method, which is in good agreement with that of experimental results. The test results for thermal conductivity are also in good agreement with various models available in the literature. Copyright © 2017 VBRI Press.