TITLE:
Development of Kaolin and Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites for Thermal Insulating Panels
AUTHORS:
Jagadiswar Reddy Tippi Reddy, Jens Schuster, Yousuf Pasha Shaik
KEYWORDS:
Kaolin, Glass Fiber, Corn Husk, Bamboo, Potassium Silicate, Potassium Hydroxide
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Composite Materials,
Vol.14 No.1,
November
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: In our modern world, where conserving energy is highly valued, thermal insulation panels play a crucial role in reducing heat transfer between two spaces, surfaces, or materials. They are used to enhance the energy efficiency of various industrial applications by minimizing heat loss and temperature control. These panels function as silent protectors, aiding in reducing energy consumption and making things more sustainable and better for the environment. This is where composite materials come in; they are known for their lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent thermal insulation properties and have gained significant attention. Researchers are actively engaged in various studies aimed at enhancing these materials further. This research project focuses on the development of kaolin and glass fiber-reinforced composites for thermally insulating panels, to which natural strengthening materials like corn husk and bamboo fibers are added. The aim is to create cost-effective and efficient composite materials for thermal insulation applications by incorporating these components with a binder consisting of potassium silicate, hydroxide, and distilled water. This project involves conducting compression tests, bending tests, impact tests, thermal conductivity measurements, and microscopic analysis to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composites. The profound impact of these engineered composites on thermal insulation panels stands to revolutionize energy conservation efforts, offering a potent avenue to minimize heat loss and enhance overall energy efficiency across an array of industrial sectors.