Determining Effective Thermal Conductivity of Multilayered Nonwoven Fabrics

The average effective thermal conductivity K _eff is measured for forty-eight multilayered needle-punched nonwoven samples. Samples are produced using glass and ceramic fibers layered in several different constructions and punched with needles with varying numbers of barbs. The thermal conductivities are determined at steady state, using a Holometrix guard hot plate at an average applied temperature of 455°C. Statistical results show an ability to predict effective thermal conductivity with greater than 88% accuracy. Important parameters of the model include fabric weight, thickness, porosity, and structure, along with the applied temperature. Results also show that the nine-barbed structure with the highest ceramic content has the greatest potential for thermal insulation at elevated temperatures.