LAUSR

Abstract Refrigerated vehicles are insulated vehicles used in the transportation of foods or drugs to prolong shell life. The invention of the refrigeration system, led to the invention of refrigerated vehicles (RVs). Conventional aluminium or steel sheet in use for refrigerated vehicles insulation panel causes high energy consumption, carbon emission, and also reduces the longevity of insulation material in the sandwiched panel. Low thermal conductive polymer based and lightweight materials will reduce energy consumption, cost, carbon emission, and prolong the longevity of insulating material. In this study polypropylene (PP), maleic-anhydride-grafted-polypropylene (MAPP), and nanoclay were melt intercalated in a rheomixer in the proportion of 100/0/0, 95/4/1, 93/4/3, 91/4/5, 89/4/7 and 86/4/10 respectively. Test results revealed that tensile strength and stiffness improved with low clay contents. Thermal conductivity analysis showed that composites with high proportion of clay have high resistance to heat. PP98MAPP4NC3 composite was optimal, and could be used as a better replacement to the conventional sheets.