Thermal Effusivity and Conductivity Testing

Thermal conductivity describes how efficiently heat flows through a material, while thermal effusivity describes how quickly a material exchanges heat with its surroundings at the surface. Measuring both properties provides practical insight into insulation performance, heat transfer behavior, and how materials respond during real operating conditions.

Testing is performed using the TCi Thermal Conductivity Analyzer instrument, which provides crucial data for material science, quality control, and research. Tests are applicable for a wide range of materials, including polymers, batteries, phase change materials, powders, insulation, heat transfer fluids, oil and gas materials, biomaterials, building materials, thermal interface materials, nanomaterials, and metals.

The analyzer covers a thermal conductivity range from 0 to 500 W/m·K and a thermal effusivity range from 5 to 40,000 W·s½/m²·K, with typical test times between 0.8 and 3 seconds. Measurements can be performed over a temperature range from −50 °C to 200 °C, with precision better than 1% and accuracy better than 5%.

Results are reported as thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity at the test temperature, with optional replicate measurements and summary statistics available for quality control and comparison purposes.

Instrument

TCi Thermal Conductivity Analyzer

Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS)

The TCi Thermal Conductivity Analyzer is a specialized safety testing device that measures how well solids, liquids, powders, and pastes conduct heat (thermal conductivity) quickly and non-destructively using the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) method. For solid samples, the material is placed directly on the sensor surface, or the sensor can be inverted for large or heavy specimens. Liquids are tested using a small-volume test kit by dispensing the material into a dedicated well, and the same setup can also be used for powders.

Applicable Standard

ASTM D7984, "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Thermal Effusivity of Fabrics"

Sample Preparation

Samples can be run "as-received" or prepared in our laboratory. Our test design experts have handled everything from highly toxic or flammable samples, regulated, gas condensation, catalyst injection, and more.

We Can Help

Reduce your risk and substantially increase your peace of mind with ioKinetic. Call us at 1-844-ioKinetic or send us a message via our online form for more information.