Good thermal conductor but insulator

In summary, the conversation discusses the search for a material that is both a good thermal conductor and an insulator at temperatures around 4 K. Sapphire and diamond are mentioned but ruled out due to difficulty in fabrication. Suggestions are made for other potential materials, such as BeO ceramic, thermally conductive ceramics, and thermally conductive plastics. Anodized aluminum is also suggested, but ultimately not suitable for the desired purpose. The conversation ends with the suggestion of using Boron Nitride as a potential solution.
  • #1
csopi
82
2
Hi,

Does anybody know a material which is a good thermal conductor and an insulator at the same time (at temperatures around 4 K) and is "easy" to fabricate? For e.g. sapphire fulfils the first two requirements, but is extrmely hard.
 
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  • #2
First throught was diamond, but 'easy' to fabricate rules that out. Second thought is BeO ceramic, but must be processed very carefully to prevent Be poisoning. You may want to research thermally conductive ceramics - there may be some that are not dangerous to process. There are some thermally conductive plastics, best to contact www.coolpolymers.com
 
  • #3
Thank you very much for your help, I'll look into the hints!
 
  • #4
You might also consider simple hard anodized aluminum. The anodized layers should give you a thick enough oxide to prevent any electrical conduction. Of course, anything contacting it should not be able to break through this oxide layer.
 
  • #5
Good idea, but unfortunatelly this won't solve my problem. I'll use it as a sample holder at 4 K, and it'll be subjected to AC magnetic fields. The aim is to get rid of the eddy currents and for this I need the bulk to be an insulator as well.
 
  • #6
Have you considered Boron Nitride?
 

1. What is a good thermal conductor but insulator?

A good thermal conductor but insulator is a material that can efficiently transfer heat, but also has a low thermal conductivity, preventing heat from passing through it quickly.

2. What are some examples of good thermal conductors but insulators?

Examples of good thermal conductors but insulators include wool, fiberglass, and air. These materials are poor conductors of heat, but can trap air pockets which act as insulators.

3. How do good thermal conductors but insulators work?

Good thermal conductors but insulators work by utilizing their low thermal conductivity to prevent heat from passing through, while also allowing for efficient heat transfer through other means, such as convection or radiation.

4. What are the advantages of using a good thermal conductor but insulator?

The advantages of using a good thermal conductor but insulator include improved energy efficiency, as it reduces the amount of heat lost or gained, and improved temperature regulation, as it can maintain a consistent temperature within a space.

5. Are there any limitations to using a good thermal conductor but insulator?

Yes, there are limitations to using a good thermal conductor but insulator. These materials may not be suitable for high temperature environments, and they may also be more expensive than other alternatives. Additionally, they may not be as effective in preventing heat transfer through other means, such as conduction.

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