Thermal Properties Characteristic of Aluminium-Alumina Composite for Solar Water Heating System Application

Abstract

Abstract Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is an energy storage mechanism or material with modern technology at low costs, such as metal, concrete, composites, and others. Aluminum (Al)–Alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) Composite is a solid material with high strength and hardness characteristics that can work in low-temperature applications. This study aims to analyze the features of the thermal properties of composite materials in the form of thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. Composite specimens were prepared using powder metallurgy techniques. The weight fraction of alumina in the composite is 35%, 50%, and 65%. There are three (3) composite models, namely C1(35Al-65Al 2 O 3 ), C2 (50Al-50Al 2 O 3 ), and C3(65Al-35Al 2 O 3 ). Models were made using the cold compaction method with a compressive load of around 20-25 MPa, and the specimens were fired in a furnace at a temperature of 550 °C with a holding time of 30 minutes. Scanning Electron Microscopy analyzed the microstructure of the composites. Composite thermal conductivity test using a thermal conductivity apparatus, and composite heat capacity test using a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that C1(35Al-65Al 2 O 3 ) composite had higher density and specific heat capacity than C2 and C3 composites. The theoretical density and specific heat capacity values of the C1 composite are 3.39 g/cm 3 1.36 J/g.°C. However, the value of the thermal conductivity of C1(35Al-65Al 2 O 3 ) material is lower than the other composites with a value of 0.37 W/m.°C. The greater the percentage by weight of alumina in the aluminum-alumina composite, the more theoretical density and specific heat capacity will also increase. Still, the thermal conductivity of the composite will decrease. Composite C1 35Al-65Al 2 O 3 can potentially be a heat energy storage material used in solar water heating systems because of its high density and heat capacity.

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