Thermal conductivity studies of polymers

A study of the thermal conductivity of some amorphous and partially crystalline polymers as a function of temperature (0–100°C.) is described. Experiments have been carried out, with the use of a thermal conductivity cell with cylindrical geometry, on polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polyhexamethylene adipamide, and polymerized epoxy resin. Results indicate that the conductivity of amorphous polymers increases with temperature and that the conductivity is significantly higher in crystalline regions than in the amorphous regions. Data concerning the change of thermal conductivity of polymerized epoxy with the addition of powdered aluminum filler are given. The results presented in the paper are discussed and compared with those reported by other investigators.