Thermal conductivity of SiC and the mechanisms

In summary, during a study of the thermal properties of SiC at high temperatures, it was found that at high temperatures, the photons effect is more intense than phonons. The Rosseland heat diffusion equation was used to calculate the thermal conductivity, with values of k=10^-2 for λ=2 μm. However, the measured value for SiC thermal conductivity at high temperatures is around 20 W/(mK)-1, which can be attributed to the effect of pure phonons. This is supported by the thermal conductivity of diamond, which also has a high value due to pure phonons.
  • #1
Carlos de Meo
23
2
Hi Guys
I was studying the thermal properties of SiC at high temperatures and now i have a few questions
Usually, at high temperatures, the photons effect are much more intense than phonons at high temperature, correct?
According to Rosseland heat diffusion equation
Krad = 16σT3 /3β, β= 4πK/λ, σ is the steffan-boltzman constant,β the absorption coefficient and k the extinction coefficient
From the literature, i found the following numbers for the SiC: k= 10-2 for λ= 2 μm
Using these values in the Rosseland equation, Krad is smaller than 1 W/(mK)-1 but from the literature the measured value for SiC thermal conductivity at high temperatures (around 1000 °C) is around 20 W/(mK)-1. Is it due to pure phonons effect or am i missing another effect ?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org

1. What is the thermal conductivity of SiC?

The thermal conductivity of SiC (silicon carbide) varies depending on the type of SiC and its crystalline structure. For example, the thermal conductivity of single crystal SiC is around 490 W/mK at room temperature, while that of polycrystalline SiC is around 30 W/mK.

2. What factors affect the thermal conductivity of SiC?

The thermal conductivity of SiC is affected by various factors, including the type of SiC (single crystal or polycrystalline), the crystalline structure, temperature, and impurities or defects in the material.

3. What are the mechanisms behind the thermal conductivity of SiC?

The thermal conductivity of SiC is primarily due to the lattice vibrations and the movement of electrons within the material. The strong covalent bonds between silicon and carbon atoms also contribute to its high thermal conductivity.

4. How does the thermal conductivity of SiC compare to other materials?

SiC has one of the highest thermal conductivities among non-metallic materials. It is about three times higher than that of copper and five times higher than that of aluminum at room temperature.

5. Can the thermal conductivity of SiC be modified or improved?

Yes, the thermal conductivity of SiC can be improved by controlling the crystalline structure, reducing impurities and defects, and creating composite materials with other high thermal conductivity materials, such as diamond or boron nitride.

Similar threads

  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
1
Views
22K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
12K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
3
Views
35K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
2
Views
270
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Back
Top