Experimental investigation of thermal properties of areca fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites

Abstract

In this research article, areca fiber composite laminates were prepared with randomly distributed fiber and different proportions of phenol formaldehyde (PF). The standard specimen of the areca PF composite was made at recommended temperature of 140 C under pressure in a hot press. The thermal properties of areca reinforced phenol formaldehyde (PF) composite materials were studied experimentally. The thermal properties like thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal diffusivity, thermal resistivity and co-efficient ofthermal expansion have been determined for areca reinforced PF composites. The results were compared with other wood based thermal insulators, brick and asbestos cement sheets. Areca fiber reinforced PF composite shows lower thermal conductivity compared to other thermal insulating materials.