THE THERMAL PROPERTIES OF SOME PLASTIC PANELS

The thermal expansion, specific heat, and thermal conductivity were measured for one foam core and 12 different resin-reinforcement combinations. The temperature range was generally from -50 to 700 F. Rather extensive physical property data are also presented on all of the materials. The specific heats of the laminates ranged from about 0.25 to 0.47 Btulb F with most falling between about 0.25 and 0.32 Btulb F. The nylon reinforced material had a specific heat of 0.47 Btulb F. Expansion coefficients varied considerably. The only materials with a reasonably constant slope through the entire temperature range contained silicone resin. An increased expansion coefficient was found with increased deviation from the major fiber axis from 0 to 90 degrees.