Investigation of Thermal Insulation and Water Absorption Properties of Cortaderia Selloana Short Fibers Reinforced Sustainabilit Composite Material

Times In recent years, the use of cellulosic fiber reinforcements in polymer matrix composites has increased. In this study, composites were produced with fibers obtained from the Cortaderia selloana plant and the absorption and thermal properties of the obtained samples were investigated. Composite samples were produced by compression molding using a high-performance epoxy polymer matrix of short Cortaderia selloana (pampa grass) fibers of different densities. It is aimed to produce materials with improved absorption and thermal properties by producing composites with large amounts of fiber. Thermal properties and water absorption behaviors of Cortaderia selloana fiber reinforced epoxy composites of different densities prepared using the compression molding technique were examined. The experiments were carried out by varying the composite density (50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg/m3). In addition, the water absorption behavior was analyzed at different temperatures of 10°C to 40°C. Cortaderia selloana fiber reinforced composites with a density of 75 kg/m3 showed better thermal properties at 30°C. The water absorption rate was better at 40°C in Cortaderia selloana fiber reinforced composites with a density of 66.3 kg/m3. Additionally, by increasing the temperature, the water absorption rate of the composites also increases.