Physics > Thermal Conductivity
The table below shows the thermal conductivity of common materials at 25°C. The figure in the second column indicates the thermal conductivity, 'k' (W/m K)
The data may be useful in preparing 'thermal insulation' practicals where specific materials need to be chosen for their thermal conductivity properties.
| Material |
Thermal Conductivity, k (W/m K) at 25°C |
| Acetone |
0.16 |
| Acrylic |
0.2 |
| Air |
0.024 |
| Alcohol |
0.17 |
| Aluminium |
250 |
| Aluminium Oxide |
30 |
| Ammonia |
0.022 |
| Argon |
0.016 |
| Asphalt |
0.75 |
| Balsa |
0.048 |
| Bitumen |
0.17 |
| Benzene |
0.16 |
| Brass |
109 |
| Carbon |
1.7 |
| Cement, portland |
0.29 |
| Cement, mortar |
1.73 |
| Chalk |
0.09 |
| Cobalt |
69 |
| Concrete, light |
0.42 |
| Concrete, stone |
1.7 |
| Copper |
401 |
| Cotton |
0.03 |
| Carbon Steel |
54 |
| Cotton Wool insulation |
0.029 |
| Earth, dry |
1.5 |
| Ether |
0.14 |
| Epoxy |
0.35 |
| Felt insulation |
0.04 |
| Fibreglass |
0.04 |
| Glass |
1.05 |
| Glycerol |
0.28 |
| Gold |
310 |
| Granite |
1.7-4.0 |
| Oak |
0.16 |
| Helium |
0.142 |
| Hydrogen |
0.168 |
| Ice (0 oC, 32 oF) |
2.18 |
| Iron |
80 |
| Iron, wrought |
59 |
| Iron, cast |
55 |
| Lead Pb |
35 |
| Leather, dry |
0.14 |
| Limestone |
1.26-1.33 |
| Magnesium |
156 |
| Marble |
2.6 |
| Mercury |
8 |
| Methane |
0.030 |
| Methanol |
0.21 |
| Mica |
0.71 |
| Mineral wool |
0.04 |
| Nickel |
91 |
| Nitrogen |
0.024 |
| Nylon |
0.25 |
| Oil, machine |
0.15 |
| Olive oil |
0.17 |
| Oxygen |
0.024 |
| Paper |
0.05 |
| Paraffin Wax |
0.25 |
| Platinum |
70 |
| Plywood |
0.13 |
| Polyethylene HD |
0.42-0.51 |
| Polypropylene |
0.1-0.22 |
| Polystyrene expanded |
0.03 |
| Porcelain |
1.5 |
| PTFE |
0.25 |
| PVC |
0.19 |
| Pyrex glass |
1.005 |
| Rock Wool insulation |
0.045 |
| Sand, dry |
0.35 |
| Sand, saturated |
2.7 |
| Sandstone |
1.7 |
| Sawdust |
0.08 |
| Silicone oil |
0.1 |
| Silver |
429 |
| Snow (temp < 0 °C) |
0.05-0.25 |
| Sodium |
84 |
| Softwood |
0.12 |
| Steel |
46 |
| Stainless Steel |
16 |
| Styrofoam |
0.033 |
| Tin |
67 |
| Zinc |
116 |
| Water |
0.58 |
| Water, vapor (steam) |
0.016 (at 125°C) |
| Wool, felt |
0.07 |