The Thermal Conductivity of a Polyethylene Foam Block Produced by a Compression Molding Process

The thermal conductivity of 10 mm thick low density polyethylene foam sheets cut from a block produced by a compression molding process has been studied in the temperature range between 24°C and 50°C. The cellular structure and the matrix polymer morphology have also been characterized to find out the main microscopic characteristics that influence on the foam properties. A previously developed theoretical model has been applied to compute the thermal conductivity of the foams under study. This model was successful in the considered temperature range. Moreover, the evolution of the thermal conductivity along the thickness of the foam block has also been considered and explained in terms of the structure of the materials.