TITLE:
Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo—Epoxy Reinforced Composite for Thermal Insulation
AUTHORS:
Nandavardhan Reddy Kopparthi, Jens Schuster, Yousuf Pasha Shaik
KEYWORDS:
Thermal Insulator, Rooftiles, Hollow Glass Microspheres, Bamboo, Kaolin, Epoxy, VARTM Process, Thermal Conductivity, Mechanical Properties
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Composite Materials,
Vol.14 No.1,
November
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: As global warming intensifies, researchers worldwide strive to develop effective ways to reduce heat transfer. Among the natural fiber composites studied extensively in recent decades, bamboo has emerged as a prime candidate for reinforcement. This woody plant offers inherent strengths, biodegradability, and abundant availability. Due to its high cellulose content, its low thermal conductivity establishes bamboo as a thermally resistant material. Its low thermal conductivity, enhanced by a NaOH solution treatment, makes it an excellent thermally resistant material. Researchers incorporated Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) and Kaolin fillers into the epoxy matrix to improve the insulating properties of bamboo composites. These fillers substantially enhance thermal resistance, limiting heat transfer. Various compositions, like (30% HGM + 25% Bamboo + 65% Epoxy) and (30% Kaolin + 25% Bamboo + 45% Epoxy), were compared to identify the most efficient thermal insulator. Using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) ensures uniform distribution of fillers and resin, creating a structurally sound thermal barrier. These reinforced composites, evaluated using the TOPSIS method, demonstrated their potential as high-performance materials combating heat transfer, offering a promising solution in the battle against climate change.