Thermal Conductivity of Elastomer Vulcanizates by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Abstract A du Pont 990 differential scanning calorimeter was modified to measure thermal conductivity of elastomer vulcanizates. The method is quick and reproducible and is recommended for scouting research of polymeric materials. The thermal conductivity λ values obtained by this method of some known materials compare favorably with those in the literature. Carbon black increases λ values in all elastomers. Particle size and structure of carbon black seem to affect λ values erratically, although the trend is towards higher λ values with larger particle size and higher structure. A linear relationship of λ vs. volume concentration of carbon blacks and other fillers is observed, except at a very high concentration. The extrapolated values of λ for a filler differ in different elastomeric media. Noncompatible elastomer blends increase or decrease λ values according to the nature and proportion of elastomers. The effect of the manner of addition of carbon black does not seem to affect the λ value of compatible blends. Higher temperatures decrease λ values for all the vulcanizates studied.