Measurement methods for thermal conductivity coefficient

It's of great significance to choose a proper measurement method for λ in the preparation of thermally conductive polymers and polymer composites. This chapter starts from classification of the measurement methods and classifies them (mainly including guarded hot plate method, guarded heat flow meter method, laser flash method, transient plane source method, temperature wave analysis method, hot wire method, transient line source method, 3ω method, etc.) commonly used around the world according to whether testing process is steady-state or nonsteady-state. The advantages and limitations of above measurement methods are then discussed, as well as the corresponding measurement principles. The chapter concludes by suggesting that focusing on the researches of measurement methods, accelerating development of relevant testing instruments, and setting measurement standards for λ are of great significance for rapid development of industry for thermally conductive polymers and polymer composites.