Authors:
Chibuzo Victor Ikwuagwu, Chiamaka Chizorom Iroegbu, Justus Chinedu Onodu, Ikechukwu Emmanuel Okoh

Addresses:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Scientific Equipment Development Institute - Enugu (SEDI-E), Enugu, Nigeria. African Center of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Michigan, United States of America. chibuzor.ikwuagwu@unn.edu.ng, chiamaka.iroegbu.249058@unn.edu.ng, justus.onodu.249048@unn.edu.ng, iokoh@mtu.edu.

Abstract:

This paper investigates the fabrication of a thermos flask using reinforced plastic, with a focus on incorporating glass fiber reinforcement. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility of glass fiber as an alternative to traditional stainless steel in thermos flask construction, particularly in terms of heat retention and overall performance. A series of experiments and comparative analyses were conducted to evaluate the material’s effectiveness. The findings reveal that while glass fiber-reinforced plastic offers advantages like reduced weight and increased flexibility, it does not surpass stainless steel in thermal insulation or durability. Despite these benefits, its lower performance in retaining heat limits its potential as a replacement for stainless steel in thermos flasks. Consequently, this study recommends further research into other reinforced plastics with better thermal insulation properties or enhancing glass fiber composites to improve their heat retention capabilities. The project underscores the need for continued innovation in material science to create more efficient, sustainable, and lightweight alternatives for thermal insulation applications, contributing to advancements in the design of thermos flasks and similar products.

Keywords: Thermos Flask; Reinforced Plastic; Glass Fibre; Heat Retention; Thermal Insulation; Material Science; Stainless Steel Alternatives; Composite Materials; Polypropylene Reinforced Plastic.

Received on: 25/11/2023, Revised on: 03/02/2024, Accepted on: 07/04/2024, Published on: 09/06/2024

DOI: 10.69888/FTSES.2024.000189

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Energy Sequence, 2024 Vol. 2 No. 1, Pages: 21-32

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