Thermal Conductivity
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Physical Properties
Definition
The rate at which heat flows through a material per unit area per unit temperature gradient, expressed in W/(m·K). It determines how efficiently a metal transfers heat.
Detailed Explanation
Pure copper has one of the highest thermal conductivities among metals at ~400 W/(m·K), making it ideal for heat sinks and electrical busbars. Steel has a much lower value of about 50 W/(m·K), and stainless steel is even lower at ~15 W/(m·K). Alloying generally reduces thermal conductivity compared to the pure base metal.