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10 Ceramic Materials with the Highest Thermal Conductivity

Published Date: 2024-12-05 10:29:06

Ceramic materials refer to essential ceramics with high thermal conductivity. They assist many areas where heat has to be managed. Here, we’ll discuss 10 of the best ceramic material substrates when it comes to thermal conductivity. You will find out about their characteristics, applications and how they differ from metals.

So, let’s get started.

Ceramic material with the highest thermal conductivity

1. Beryllium Oxide (BeO): 230-330 W/mK

Beryllium Oxide is, in fact, one of the varieties with the highest thermal conductivity. It is very good for the purpose of releasing heat.

Applications:

  • Aerospace: They used it in spacecraft and satellites. It is suitable for these applications because of its high conductivity and light weight.

  • Electronics: It is used in electronics, especially in goods such as transistors and integrated circuits. This has the effect of controlling heat in high heat-carrying devices.

2. Aluminum Nitride (AlN): 150-250 W/mK

Aluminum Nitride is characterized by its ability both to conduct heat and to act as an electrical insulator. It can transmit heat varying from 150 to 250 watts per meter-kelvin.

Applications:

  • Electronics: It is used to prepare substrates for constructing high-power devices. In the semiconductor industry, the tape plays a part as a conductor and insulator.

  • LED Lighting: AlN aids in LED thermal management as a substrate. This continues to make the lights perform optimally and also last longer.

3. Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Thermal Conductivity: Ranges from 120 to 250 W/mK.

Applications:

  • High-Power Electronics: It addresses heat dissipation and packaging in high-power and high-frequency electronics. It’s efficient for regulating heat and electricity.

  • Aerospace: SiC is light in weight and can withstand high temperatures. It enhances the performance and dependability of aerospace equipment.

4. Copper Aluminum Oxide (CuAlO2)

Thermal Conductivity: 100-200 W/mK.

CuAlO2 is a ceramic material. Thin films are notably characterized by good thermal and electrical conductivity.

Applications:

  • Electronics: It is used to regulate heat and electricity in electronics.

  • Thermal Management: It’s practical in a lot of businesses that require cooling.

5. Boron Nitride (BN)

Thermal Conductivity: 30 W/mK (ranges from 20-300 W/mK depending on the kind).

Types:

  • Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN): 

This material is similar to graphite. It transmits heat well circumferentially or with its exposed top and bottom surface. It is used in lubricants and heat control.

  • Cubic Boron Nitride (c-BN): 

It’s as hard as a diamond. This type is used in the cutting tools and the abrasive items to be used.

Applications:

  • Electronics: It is a good heat sink and insulator for electronics just like h-BN has been shown above.

  • Metallurgy: It assists in high-temperature processes in various organizations such as BN. The material effectively conducts heat.

6. Titanium Diboride (TiB2): Thermal Conductivity is approximately 60-70 /mK

It was observed that the values of the thermal conductivity coefficient for the TiB2 range from 30 to 50 W/mK. It also has very good high-temperature stability. This material is chosen for employment in positions, that require reliable thermal and mechanical characteristics.

Applications:

  • High-Temperature Uses: TiB2 works well in molten metal processing. It can handle extreme heat, making it perfect for crucibles.

  • Ceramic Cutting Tools: TiB2 is hard and resists wear. It is great for cutting tools that machine tough materials. This gives tools a longer life and better performance.

7. Magnesium Oxide (MgO): Thermal Conductivity ~40-60 W/mK

MgO has moderate thermal conductivity. It is also known for its excellent electrical insulation. It is useful in industries that need thermal insulation and stability.

Applications:

  • Power Electronics: MgO keeps power electronics safe. It prevents overheating and ensures the components run efficiently.

  • Refractory Materials: MgO is used in high-temperature places like furnaces. It helps keep materials strong by providing good insulation.

Alumina (Al2O3) and Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) are two more materials that have great thermal properties. They are used in many industries for different applications.

8. Alumina (Al2O3)

Thermal Conductivity: 20-40 W/mK.

It has good electrical insulation, strong mechanical properties, and moderate thermal conductivity.

Applications:

  • Power Electronics: It’s used in semiconductors and electronic devices because it insulates electricity well.

  • LED Lighting: It helps LEDs stay cool by drawing heat away from them, making sure they work well.

9. Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)

Thermal Conductivity: 20-40 W/mK.

It’s very strong, stable in chemicals, and has moderate thermal conductivity.

Applications:

  • High-Temperature and High-Voltage Electronics: It is used in devices that work in extreme conditions. It helps with heat dissipation and improves reliability.

  • Research Focus: Scientists are studying its strength, ability to handle thermal shock, insulation properties, resistance to corrosion, and non-toxic nature.

Both alumina and silicon nitride are important for technology. They have special properties that make them useful in advanced applications.

10. Zirconia (ZrO2)

Zirconia has moderate thermal conductivity of about 2-3 W/mK when it’s not stabilized. But, when it’s mixed with yttria, its thermal conductivity increases, improving its performance.

Applications:

  • High-Temperature Electronics: Yttria-stabilized zirconia is commonly used in the packaging and insulation of high-temperature electronic devices due to its strong mechanical properties and chemical stability, which help protect electronic components in extreme conditions.

  • Biomedical Engineering: It is also used in biomedical devices, such as dental implants, due to its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for applications where thermal stability and safety in the human body are crucial.

Thermal Conductivity of Ceramic vs Metal

Some of the metals such as copper and aluminum possess a high value of thermal conductivity. They transfer heat quickly. Some ceramics, for example, diamond, silicon carbide and beryllium oxide have advantages in some respects.

For instance, they serve better where one needs heat resistance, lightweight or electrical insulation. Metals generally transfer heat in a better way. However, ceramics have high-temperature capabilities. This makes them good for hot environments such as in space and in electronics with a lot of power.

Ultra High Temperature Ceramics

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) can endure extreme heat. Its elements perform in extreme climates more than 3000 degrees Celsius. Some of these materials include HfB2, and ZrO2.

These materials are well suited to things like re-entry vehicles and spacecraft. It maintains good heat-conducting properties and at the same time has high resistance to thermal shock. It makes high-temperature systems protected and optimized.

Why Are Ceramics Hard and Brittle?

Ceramics are hard they have a strong bond between the atoms as discussed above. These bonds are covalent, or they are ionic. They resist changing shape. However, ceramics are also fragile materials and, you know, break easily. They lack flexibility. This is because their bonds are not bendable, they can easily be broken than stretching them out along with their molecule’s bond.

FAQs

Which material has the highest value of thermal conductivity?

Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) has the highest thermal conductivity. It ranges from 1000 to 2000 W/mK.

How to increase the thermal conductivity of ceramics?

You can increase the thermal conductivity of ceramics by making them denser. You can also change their grain size. Adding conductive materials, like carbon nanotubes or metals, also helps.

What is the thermal conductivity of MgO ceramic?

Magnesium Oxide (MgO) has a thermal conductivity between 30 and 60 W/mK. This is lower than other materials, but it is great for insulation.

Conclusion

These ceramics with high conductivity are important for advanced engineering. They help manage heat in industries like electronics, aerospace, and energy. Knowing about these materials helps you make the best choices for thermal systems.

 

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