Development of polymeric heat insulators based on emirati red shale filler: Thermal and physical properties

This study reports the results of an experimental investigation on thermal and physical properties of composite materials made of unsaturated polyester (UPE) and Emirati red shale to be used as insulating materials. Stable composites with filler content ranging from 0 to 60 vol.% were prepared. The characterized properties of the UPE-shale composites, namely; density, thermal conductivity, water retention, thermal stability, microstructure, and chemical resistance, showed promise for constructive applications as a thermal insulator. Up to filler content of 30 vol%, the thermal conductivity of the UPE-shale composites did not exceed that of neat polymer and the water retention at room temperature was <0.2%. The effect of the main components in the filler (alumina and silica) on composite properties was detected at filler content >40 vol%, which led to increase the thermal conductivity with filler content. On the other hand, incorporating of shale into UPEs matrix improved its thermal stability. In addition, the UPE-shale composites showed high resistance to acid and base impregnation. Increasing the shale content has improved clearly the composite resistance to alkaline medium. The potential for development in the field of energy saving and construction utilizing such cheap and abundant filler from natural resources seems to be very promising. Production of composite material with competitive thermal insulation properties utilizing cheap and abundant filler from natural resources seems to be very promising. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1463–E1473, 2018.