Thermal properties of rigid polymers. I. Measurement of thermal conductivity and questions concerning contact resistance

Abstract

Abstract Several studies of the influence of contact resistance on the measurement of thermal conductivity of polystyrene using a steady‐state device are presented. In each case it is seen that, although this influence can perhaps be minimized, it cannot be eliminated as an experimental complication. A novel technique is then described which does eliminate entirely contact resistance as a variable, and this technique is shown to yield an unequivocal value of thermal conductivity.