Thermal properties of composite systems

The parallel arrangement of the matrix and second component properties is 

Actually the series arrangement represents the highest limit for the bulk composite property while the parallel arrangement represents the lowest limit. 

For a PEEK and carbon fiber composite, the thermal conductivity was found to be best determined using Eq. 5.73 while the heat capacity was best determined using Eq. 5.74 but with mass fractions instead of volume fractions (Velisaris and Seferis, 1988). Values for p, k, and Cp are given in Table 5.11. It is interesting to note that the values of Cp for the matrix and carbon fiber are similar while the values of k are lower for the matrix. The bulk values of k for the composite are then increased somewhat over those of the matrix. Although it is not certain that these rules apply to polymer blends, filled polymers, or other composite structures, they at least represent the starting point for estimating the thermal transport properties of composite systems. 

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