Heating a block of Rubber by passing electricity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and methodology of heating a block of rubber by embedding copper strips or wires and passing electricity through them. Participants explore the implications of using different materials and methods to achieve a specific temperature increase in the block, considering the thermal properties of rubber and alternatives.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using nichrome wire instead of copper for heating, indicating that a calculator is available to assist with this method.
  • Another participant warns against using rubber due to its insulating properties, which may lead to uneven heating and hotspots around the wires.
  • There is a proposal to use conductive rubber, which incorporates carbon granules, to achieve more uniform heating.
  • A participant questions the use of thermoplastics as an alternative, seeking further opinions on their suitability for the heating method.
  • Another participant notes that plastics are also thermal insulators and suggests laminating sheets of plastic with fine metal mesh to improve heat distribution.
  • A later reply indicates that the previously mentioned calculator is not suitable for low temperature increases (10 deg C), prompting a request for an equation to determine the size of the copper strips needed for this specific heating requirement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of rubber and plastics for the heating method, with no consensus reached on the best material or approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal method for achieving the desired temperature increase.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential for uneven heating with rubber and plastics, the need for effective heat distribution, and the inadequacy of existing calculators for low temperature applications.

sakthi
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Hi everyone.

I want to heat a piece of Rubber by embedding copper strips or wires in it and passing electricity(120V - 2.5Amp) through it. The room temperature is 0(zero) deg Celsius and i want to heat the aluminum block(5" x 5" x 1") to 10 deg Celsius(Not more than 10 deg).

Question: How will I determine the size of the copper strips or wires that I have to use to generate enough heat to raise the temperature of the block to 10 dec C.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTION.
 
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sakthi said:
Hi everyone.

I want to heat a piece of Rubber by embedding copper strips or wires in it and passing electricity(120V - 2.5Amp) through it. The room temperature is 0(zero) deg Celsius and i want to heat the aluminum block(5" x 5" x 1") to 10 deg Celsius(Not more than 10 deg).

Question: How will I determine the size of the copper strips or wires that I have to use to generate enough heat to raise the temperature of the block to 10 dec C.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTION.

Welcome to the PF.

You should probably use nichrome wire instead of copper. There is a calculator in post #2 of this thread that should help you:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=463274

.
 
I wouldn't recommend this method for heating a block of rubber.

Rubber itself is a thermal insulator so embedding resistive wires into the block is likely to lead to hotspots around the wires, without raising the block temperature evenly.

Conductive rubber can be made by incorporating carbon granules in the rubber matrix. Using this method will ensure even resistive heating.
 
Thank you berkeman.

I will try the calculator.
 
Studiot - Thank you for your suggestion.

So, I cannot use rubber at all.

Can I use some kind of thermoplastic. What is your take on that.
 
Plastics materials, natural or artificial = thermal insulator so the same comment applies.

A lamination of sheets of plastics with sheets of very very fine metal mesh might heat evenly enough.

You need to distribute the heat as widely as possible.

The problem to overcome is that the rate of heat transference away from the heating element must not be less than the rate of heat production in the element.
 
berkeman - The calculator holds good only for higher temperature(80 dec C onwards). I am looking something really small (10 deg C). Is there an equation to find out the size of the copper strips that will induce the heat.

Thank you
 

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