Assessment of thermal insulation and flame retardancy of cellulose fibers reinforced polymer composites for automobile interiors

Abstract

This study was aimed to find the thermal conductivity and flammability of Calotropis procera fibers-reinforced composites. Composite samples of different weight proportions were fabricated using Calotropis procera fibers as reinforcements. The effects of fiber loading on the thermal conductivity and rate of burning of the composites were studied. It was seen that the thermal conductivity of the composites varied between 0.166 and 0.159 W/mk for 10 to 40 weight% fiber loading. Increasing the fiber weight% in the composite caused a decrease of the thermal conductivity of the samples whilst the results of Vertical burning tests classified these composites under No Rating. The rate of burning of the composites also increased with inclusion of fibers and maximum rate of burning of 34.62 mm/min was found with 40 weight% of fibers in composites. Scanning Electron Microscopic analysis shows that the fibers sustain a good interfacial adhesion with the matrix. The study proved that these composites are suitable to be used in making automobile interiors by satisfying the internationally acclaimed standards.

Keywords

• calotropis procera fibers
• cellulose
• polymer composites
• thermal conductivity
• vertical burning test
• flame/fire retardancy