A one-dimensional heat transfer model was developed to simulate the heat transfer of oriented natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites during hot-pressing and provide guidance for determining appropriate hot-pressing parameters. The apparent heat capacity of thermoplastics due to the heat of fusion was included in the model, and the model was experimentally verified by monitoring the internal temperature during the hot-pressing process of oriented sorghum fiber reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film composites (OFPCs). The results showed that the apparent heat capacity of HDPE accurately described its heat fusion of melting and simplified the governing energy equations. The data predicted by the model were consistent with the experimental data. The thermal conduction efficiency increased with the mat density and HDPE content during hot-pressing, and a higher mat density resulted in a higher mat core temperature. The addition of HDPE delayed heat transfer, and the mat had a lower core temperature at a higher HDPE content after reaching the melting temperature of HDPE. Both the experimental and simulated data suggested that a higher temperature and/or a longer duration during the hot-pressing process should be used to fabricate OFPC as the HDPE content increases.
Keywords: heat transfer modeling; high-density polyethylene; hot-pressing; sweet sorghum; wood–plastic composites.