FRP Thermal Conductivity and Insulation

Thermal Conductivity

Thermal conductivity of a polymer composite is a function of resin type, fiber type and architecture, fiber volume fraction, direction of heat flow, and service temperature.  In physics, thermal conductivity is the property of the material to conduct heat and it’s evaluated primarily in terms of Fourier’s Law for heat conduction.  As a rule of thumb, materials of low thermal conductivity are used in thermal insulation applications.

Thermal Insulation

Composites are both thermal and electrical insulators.  Composites are good insulators—they do not easily conduct heat or cold (low thermal conductivity). They are used in buildings for doors, panels, and windows where extra protection is needed from severe weather.

As a specific example, silicone resin glass reinforced thermoset composites offer excellent thermal, mechanical, and electrical insulation properties. Their high temperature performance and insulation properties make them equal or superior to many high priced thermoplastics.