Investigation of Thermal Conductivity Properties of Polymer Based Composites Containing Waste Materials

Natural resource consumption and high energy costs occur during the production of insulation materials made of mineral wools (e.g. rock wool, glass wool). Alternative insulation products are needed to reduce the consumption of natural resources. In this scope, composite materials with polyester resin were produced by using mineral wool (rock wool, glass wool), which is a waste, walnut shell, which is agricultural waste, and MDF powder, which is industrial waste. Waste materials (e.g. rock wool, glass wool, walnut shell and MDF powder) determined at the rate of 10% of the polymer matrix weight were replaced with polymer. Unit volume weight, ultrasound transmission velocity and thermal conductivity values of the produced composite materials were examined. In the experiments, it was determined that the thermal conductivity value of the walnut shell reinforced sample was higher than the control sample. It was determined that the thermal conductivity value of the MDF powder reinforced composite was slightly lower than the control sample. The rock wool and glass wool-reinforced composites partial collapse was observed. Thermal conductivity value is higher than the control sample.