Low Heat/Thermal Conductivity Electric Conductive Materials

In summary, the conversation discusses electric conductive materials with low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity for various applications, such as thermoelectric cooling and cryogenic applications. Some possible materials mentioned include stainless steel, multi-layer laminate, superconducting materials like NbTiN, and alloys like copper-beryllium and copper-nickel. These materials are chosen for their ability to reduce electrical resistance and minimize heat transfer.
  • #1
abdulbadii
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TL;DR Summary
What is an electric conductive material which is the least heat/thermal conductive?
What is/are the electric conductive material(s) which has/have the least heat/thermal conductive?
 
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  • #2
What materials have you looked at so far? What is the application? Will this be a thin film, a solid wire or bus bar, or a liquid maybe? The more details you can give, the better we will be able to help you.
 
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  • #3
abdulbadii said:
What is/are the electric conductive material(s) which has/have the least heat/thermal conductive?
Some stainless steel alloys used for cookware or kettles may surprise you. The polished surface, and the internal grain structure, can be used to advantage.

If the low thermal conduction, and the high electrical conduction, can be arranged to be perpendicular, then consider a multi-layer laminate.

What is the application ?
 
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  • #4
Try searching thermoelectric cooling. From one of the hits:

Requirements for thermoelectric materials:
High electrical conductivity (to reduce electrical resistance, a source of waste heat);
Low thermal conductivity (so that heat doesn't come back from the hot side to the cool side); this usually translates to heavy elements

Sounds like what you are looking for.
 
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  • #5
Superconducting materials (both conventional and HTS), this is what is used in cryogenic applications. E.g. NbTiN is used both for DC and RF applications and that the electrical losses are very low is of course a bonus.

As has already been mentioned stainless steal is also an option, but might be a bit too lossy for many applications.
Generally speaking, alloys have lower thermal conductivity than "pure" metals and are therefore often used. copper-beryllium and copper-nickel would be two widely used examples.
 
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1. What are low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials?

Low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials are materials that have the ability to conduct electricity while also having low thermal conductivity, meaning they do not easily transfer heat. This makes them useful in applications where both electrical conductivity and heat insulation are needed, such as in electronic devices.

2. What are some examples of low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials?

Some examples of low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials include silicon, carbon, and certain polymers. These materials are commonly used in electronic components such as semiconductors, circuit boards, and insulating films.

3. How are low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials different from traditional conductive materials?

Traditional conductive materials, such as metals, have high thermal conductivity, meaning they can easily transfer heat. This can be a disadvantage in electronic devices where heat can cause damage. Low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials provide both electrical conductivity and heat insulation, making them more suitable for these applications.

4. What are the benefits of using low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials?

Using low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials can provide several benefits. These materials can help reduce the risk of overheating in electronic devices, leading to improved performance and longer lifespan. They can also help reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency in electronic systems.

5. Are there any drawbacks to using low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials?

One potential drawback of using low heat/thermal conductivity electric conductive materials is their lower electrical conductivity compared to traditional conductive materials. This may limit their use in certain applications where high electrical conductivity is necessary. Additionally, these materials may be more expensive and more difficult to manufacture compared to traditional conductive materials.

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