Testing a simple Lee's disc method for estimating throuh-plane thermal conductivity of polymeric ion-exchange membranes

Thermal conductivity of a material is critical parameter for using it in non-isothermal applications. The new emphasis on ion-exchange membranes as thermoelectric materials makes necessary to study the relation between thermal and structure properties. Here, through-plane different polymeric was measured by rapid experimental method simple Lee's Disc apparatus. Membranes with structures thicknesses interval 25–700 micrometers were analysed aim testing feasibility this kind samples. investigated found vary from low 0.03 up high 0.41 W K?1m?1, depending type membrane. reinforcement their presented lower values conductivity. Although mainly depended composition membrane matrix, larger resistances estimated, general, higher density thickness. No significant influence capacity observed homogeneous reinforced membranes, but positive correlation heterogeneous membranes. results obtained Nafion compared given literature these same finding good agreement. A thickness-dependent estimated suggesting that size effect may play an important role Despite its simplicity, allows make estimation value