What is thermal conductivity?
Thermal conductivity is at the core of TALs services offerings. We are global leaders in thermal conductivity measurements and specialize in niche testing applications across a wide range of sample types.
Thermal conductivity is a measure of a materials ability to transfer heat most often denoted as (λ, k or K-value). Thermal conductivity differs with each substance and may depend on structure, density, humidity, pressure and temperature. Materials having a large thermal conductivity value are good conductors of heat; whereas ones with a small thermal conductivity value are poor conductors of heat (i.e. good insulators). Thermal conductivity is typically represented in units of (W/mK).
Why is thermal conductivity important?
Thermal conductivity can generally fall into one of two main categories of importance. One being applications where temperature needs to be dissipated quickly and the other where temperature needs to be maintained. The former would be applicable to devices which are used to remove heat from sensitive componentry where a buildup of heat could otherwise cause serious damage. In this case, high thermal conductivity materials are of significant value. The latter would represent cases where minimizing heat loss plays a significant role such as cases where drastic changes in temperature can prove detrimental. Here, low conductivity materials add value.
What methods are available for thermal conductivity testing?
TALs portfolio of thermal conductivity testing offerings include multiple transient-based, steady-state and flash techniques. The best-suited method is often dictated by sample type, sample size and temperature range of interest. To find out the best method for your testing needs contact us at info@thermalanalysislabs.com or call (506) 457-0498.
Recommended Methods
We offer a wide range of methods for determining thermal conductivity and below is a selection of the measurement requirements for thermal conductivity testing services.
Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS)
| Measurement Range | 0 to 500 W/mK |
Sample size | Min. diameter of 18 mm Min. thickness is dependent on thermal conductivity |
| Temperature range | -50 to 200 °C |
| Recommended Material types | Solids, liquids, powders and pastes |
| ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ASTM D7984 |
Transient Plane Source (TPS)
| Measurement Range | 0.03 to 2000 W/mK |
| Sample size | Dependent on sensor size* |
| Temperature range | -50 to 80 °C |
| Material types | Solids and powders |
| ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ISO 22007-2 |
Transient Line source (TLS)
| Measurement Range | 0.1 to 6 W/mK |
| Sample size | Min. volume of 77 mL |
| Temperature range | -55 to 180 °C |
| Material types | Melts, soils and viscous fluids |
ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ASTM D5334, D5930 and IEEE 442-1981 |
Heat Flow Meter (HFM)
| Measurement Range | 0.002 – 1.0 W/mK |
Sample size | 100 x 100 mm or 300 x 300 mm Min. thickness of 5 mm |
| Temperature range | -10 to 60 °C |
Material types | Foams, aerogels, polymers and vacuum insulation panels |
ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ISO 8301, ASTM C518, EN 1946-3, EN 12664, EN 12667 and EN 12939 |
Laser Flash Apparatus (LFA)
| Measurement Range | 0.1 to 2000 W/mK |
| Sample size | 12.5 x 12.5 mm Min. thickness of 1 mm |
| Temperature range | 25 to 500 °C |
| Material types | Solids |
| ASTM/ISO/EN Standards | ASTM E1461 |
Other methods may be available. Contact us at info@thermalanalysislabs.com or call (506) 457-0498 to discuss.