Anisotropic Heat Transfer in Plane of Carbon Fabrics Reinforced Geopolymer Composite

Abstract

Heat transfer within carbon fiber in the geopolymer composite is predicted from parallel in phase to a perpendicular direction within the fabrics. Temperature distribution is higher along the fiber axis with a perpendicular position. The use of curvilinear coordinates along the fiber axis are useful in estimating thermal conductivity within the geopolymer composite theoretically. Experimental findings are also carried out in carbon fiber reinforced geopolymer composite. It has been observed that thermal conductivity has remained constant throughout the composite as a function of temperature. A correlation has been established that shows the heat transfer in the composite falls within the standard range of the specification of insulating materials. This study offers insights and a possible strategy for the development of an anisotropic low-thermal-conductivity geopolymer composite for potential applications in insulating material systems.