Thermal conductivity of boron and of its crystal structure analoges

Abstract

Results are presented of a study of the thermal conductivity of single-crystalline β-rhombohedral boron samples, carbon-alloyed boron, α-AlB12, and amorphous boron in the temperature range 80 to 1100 °K, and of β-AlB12 in the 80 to 400 °K range. These data together with published data on the thermal conductivity of B12As2, B12P2, and YB66 are considered within the framework of a model taking into account the effect of crystal structure on thermal conductivity. An explanation for the small contribution of optical phonons to the thermal conductivity is suggested.