Thermistor Problem: Finding Material and Equation

[brendanrundle]

Ok so I am trying to figure out what type of material a thermistor should be, and am using the equation ΔR=kΔT (R being the resistivity, k being the temperature coefficient of resistivity, with which I want to find and match it up with a material, and T being the temperature). I have the change in temperature and the resistivity is initially at zero, but I don't have either the final resistivity or k. Can anyone give me some guidance? Thanks!

 

[Baluncore]

Thermistors are often non-linear. Some are designed as self heating regulation devices, others as temperature sensors. You need to measure the characteristics of your device and identify thermal conductivity regarding self heating.
Start here; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermistor

 

[UltrafastPED]

Is this a school experiment? It sounds like one I supervised a few years ago.

If so, you need to measure the resistance at several temperatures (known temperatures - ice water, boiling water, etc) using Ohm's law with measured voltages and currents. Then plot your results.

k is the slope of the curve.