Author(s)

H. Takagi, A. N. Nakagaito & K. Liu

Abstract

This paper reports a typical functional property of natural fibre reinforced polymer composite; namely green composites, especially transverse thermal insulation properties (along the thickness direction). This functionality is mainly derived from the inherent internal morphology of natural fibre. The thermal transfer property of polymer composites is one of the most important functional issues for material design in heat-related applications. Normally, the thermal conductivity of natural fibre is much lower than that of conventional mineral fibres such as glass fibre and carbon fibre. Therefore better thermal insulation performance is easily attained by mixing with natural fibres in polymer composites. In addition, the thermal properties of the natural fibre composites can be controlled not only by changing the thermal conductivity values of matrix but also by changing the internal microstructure of the natural fibre. Keywords: natural fibre composites, thermal conductivity, lumen, abaca, bamboo, unidirectional composites.

Keywords

natural fibre composites, thermal conductivity, lumen, abaca, bamboo, unidirectional composites.