Mechanics > Properties of Matter > Crystal Structure DCS# 1R50.xx

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF PYROLYTIC GRAPHITE



APPARATUS
piece of pyrolytic graphite
202-16-C3
piece of razor blade
202-16-C3
ice cubes
108A-refrigerator
thermos
214-01-C5


DESCRIPTION

The thermal conductivity of pyrolytic graphite parallel to the layers is in the 400-1700 W/m-K range at room T, compared to 10-50 W/m-K for steel.  Hold the edge of a piece of graphite and a piece of steel of about equal size against an ice cube.  The graphite conducts the heat from your hand better and penetrates farther into the ice in the same amount of time.


NOTES


The pyrolytic graphite is thin and brittle and bits of it tend to break off in the ice.