Transverse thermal conductivity of fiber reinforced polymer composites

Transverse thermal conductivity of high density polyethylene reinforced with chopped strand grass fiber mat is investigated experimentally for temperatures ranging from 10 degrees C to 85 degrees C. Models predicting the transverse thermal conductivity of composites filled with long fibers are stated and are compared with each other and with experimental results. Samples are prepared by compression molding process, sandwiching layers of glass fibers between layers of polyethylene. A modified hot wire technique is used to measure thermal conductivity. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd