Asked by: Saada Golovenchenko
Asked in category: science, chemistry, science, chemistry
Last Updated: 18th May 2024

Why are metals better thermal conductors than ceramics?

Metals are better thermal conductors than ceramic materials. This is because most heat is carried by free electrons, which are a large number. The electron field interacts and shifts the electron cloud relative to the nucleus.



Exactly so, why are metals good heat conductors?

Metals are excellent conductors of heat. This is due to the close packing of the metallic ions within the lattice. The lattice can be able to carry kinetic energy from delocalised electrons.

Ceramics can also conduct heat. Ceramics are also different. Ceramics are also different.

Ceramics are therefore good thermal conductors.

Thermal Conductivity easily Transmits Heat among Fine Ceramics (also called "advanced clays"), certain materials have high levels of conductivity that transfer heat well. Others have low conductivity and transfer more heat. Aluminum nitride, and silicon carbide both transfer heat well.

Why does porosity affect the thermal conductivity in ceramic materials?

(a) Porosity reduces the thermal conductivity ceramic and polymeric materials. This is because the thermal conductivity for a gas phase that occupies pores is very small relative to the solid material. Gaseous convection contributes little.