Join us at the International Thermal Conductivity Conference (ITCC) and the International Thermal Expansion Symposium (ITES).
| Materials | Solids, Liquids, Paste, and Powder |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.005 to 1800 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Bulk, Through-thickness, and In-plane |
| Temperature Range | -160°C to 1000°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ISO 22007-2 |
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| Materials | Solids and Loose Materials |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.001 to 0.5 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Bulk |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 75°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 3%, 1% |
| Standard | ASTM C518 |
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| Materials | Liquids and Pastes |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.01 to 2 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Bulk |
| Temperature Range | -50°C to 400°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ASTM D7896 |
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| Materials | Soil and Soft Materials |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.1 to 5 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Bulk |
| Temperature Range | -50°C to 100°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ASTM D5334 |
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| Materials | Solids |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.1 to 2000 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Through-thickness |
| Temperature Range | -100°C to 1000°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ASTM E1461 |
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| Materials | Solids and Pastes |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.1 to 100 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Through-thickness |
| Temperature Range | -20°C to 300°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ASTM E1530 |
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| Materials | Solids |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.2 to 200 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Bulk |
| Temperature Range | up to 1000°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | ASTM E1225 |
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| Materials | Solids |
| Thermal Conductivity Range | 0.1 to 20 W/m•K |
| Directional Measurement | Through-thickness and In-plane |
| Temperature Range | -270°C to 100°C |
| Accuracy, Repeatability | 5%, 2% |
| Standard | NA |
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Thermal conductivity is a property that measures a material’s ability to conduct heat. It quantifies how effectively heat is transferred through a material when there is a temperature gradient. Higher thermal conductivity values indicate better heat conduction. It is generally denoted by the symbol ‘k’ but can also be denoted by ‘λ’ and ‘κ’.
The units of thermal conductivity depend on the system of units used. In the International System of Units (SI), thermal conductivity is typically expressed in watts per meter per degree Celsius (W/m•°C) or watts per meter per Kelvin (W/m•K). Other common units include calories per second per centimeter per degree Celsius (cal/s•cm•°C) in the CGS system.
Thermal conductivity testing is the ability of a material to transfer or conduct heat. This can be done using a variety of methods and instruments.
There are a number of different methods and instruments to measure thermal conductivity, each of them is suitable for a range of materials, depending on the properties of the material and temperature range to be tested.
Thermal conductivity can be measured through a variety of different methods. Common methods include the transient hot wire method, the steady-state method, and the transient plane source method.
Thermtest offers various thermal conductivity testing services. If you have any questions about testing, please contact us for more information.
There are 4 common transient methods for measuring thermal conductivity.
Thermal conductivity is essential in various fields, including engineering, materials science, and thermodynamics. It influences heat transfer, insulation effectiveness, and the performance of thermal management systems. Understanding thermal conductivity helps in selecting appropriate materials, optimizing energy efficiency, and designing effective heat exchange systems.
Thermal conductivity and heat conductivity are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle distinction between the two terms. Thermal conductivity refers to a material’s ability to conduct heat, quantifying how efficiently heat is transferred through the material. On the other hand, heat conductivity can be considered as the actual process of heat transfer itself, regardless of the material. It encompasses conduction, convection, and radiation, which collectively contribute to the overall heat transfer.
While thermal conductivity focuses on the material’s specific property, heat conductivity is a broader term encompassing the transfer of heat energy in general. In practice, however, these terms are often used to describe the same property or process.
Yes, thermal conductivity is temperature dependent. The thermal conductivity may increase or decrease with temperature depending on the sample being tested. This behavior is particularly relevant in materials that undergo phase transitions or exhibit changes in molecular structure as temperature varies.
Thermal conductivity testing has diverse applications. It is crucial in fields such as construction, aerospace, electronics, and energy systems. It helps in selecting insulation materials, designing heat sinks, optimizing building envelope performance, and evaluating the thermal efficiency of various components and systems.
The cost of thermal conductivity testing is highly dependent on the number of samples to be tested and method of testing required. Contact us to request a quote. We have a full-service thermal testing laboratory to accommodate your thermal conductivity testing needs using the best thermal conductivity measuring methods available.