A study of the thermal conductivity of alumina/glass dispersed composites

The thermal diffusivity of five groups of alumina/glass composite systems has been measured at room temperature using a laser flash system. These data have been used, in conjunction with specific heat and density measurements, to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of these composites. In each of the five groups a systematic variation in glass concentration was made, and each group represents systematic variations in glass and alumina particle sizes. The thermal conductivities calculated are compared with those predicted by four models. It is apparent from these comparisons that the geometry and orientation of porosity within the sample measured are a key factor in determining which of these models (if any) is appropriate for describing the thermal conductivity of these composites.