Effect of mechanical processing on thermal and mechanical properties of fibrous fumed alumina compacts

Abstract

In the present study, the fibrous fumed alumina compact with low thermal conductivity is prepared with a mechanical processing technique. The thermal conductivity of the compact remains low up to a temperature of 350°C. For the fibrous compact, the mechanical processing parameters play important role on controlling the thermal insulation capability. The thermal conductivity of compact increases from 0.036 to 0.042 W/m•K by increasing the rotating speed of rotor. On the other hand, the value remains low by increasing processing time. The strength is decreased due to the increase of processing time. Thus, a lower rotating speed and a shorter processing time could result in a compact with favorable thermal insulation and strength. The results can be related to the surface structure of the coated alumina fibers and granulated structure within the compacts.