Dielectric and thermal behavior analysis of polyester composites filled with pineapple wood dust using finite element method

This study examines the dielectric and thermal characterization of pineapple wood dust (PWD)-filled polymer composites using the finite element method and experimental analysis. PWD was reinforced with polyester resin with different weight (0–25 wt. %) and volume (0–17.95 vol. %) percentages. Thermal conductivity tests were conducted as per the ASTM E-1530 in a Unitherm^™ 2022 model, whereas the dielectric properties were tested with the help of an HP LCR impedance analyzer and an HP 16451B dielectric tester. The experimental result showed a decrease in thermal conductivity values of polyester resin from 0.342 to 0.245 W/m-K with the inclusion of 17.95 vol. % PWD, which ensured enhanced thermal insulation. Further, the thermal conductivity values obtained from finite element analysis simulated using Digimat software were in good agreement with experimental values, and the error lies in between 1% and 10%. The experimental result showed a decrease in thermal conductivity values with increased PWD loading, which ensured enhanced thermal insulation. Further, the thermal conductivity values obtained from finite element analysis simulated using Digimat software were in good agreement with experimental values. The finite element analysis also revealed a decrease in heat flux density with the addition of PWD particles. The dielectric constant of the composites was found to be higher at lower frequencies and decreased with increasing frequency, which can be attributed to various polarization mechanisms. The dielectric constant of polyester resin also increased gradually with the addition of 25 wt. % PWD filler content from 1.4 to 2.7 at 1 MHz frequency.