This is possible because thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity are two distinct properties of a material. A material can have high thermal conductivity, meaning it can transfer heat easily, but low electrical conductivity, meaning it resists the flow of electricity.
Ceramics, glass, and some polymers are examples of materials that possess both high thermal conductivity and low electrical conductivity. They are commonly used as insulating materials in electrical and electronic applications.
Thermal conductivity is typically measured by applying a temperature gradient across the material and measuring the rate of heat transfer. The unit of measurement is watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK).
The thermal conductivity of a material is affected by several factors, including temperature, density, moisture content, and the presence of impurities or defects. Generally, materials with higher density and fewer impurities have higher thermal conductivity.
Yes, there are materials that possess low thermal conductivity, meaning they resist heat transfer, but high electrical conductivity, meaning they allow electricity to flow easily. Examples include metals and some carbon-based materials, such as graphite.