The Effect of Temperature on Silicon Carbide Thermal Conductivity

How does the thermal conductivity of silicon carbide (SiC) change with temperature?

What is the thermal conductivity of SiC at room temperature and at higher temperatures?

Thermal Conductivity of Silicon Carbide with Temperature

At room temperature, silicon carbide (SiC) has a high thermal conductivity of about 120 W/(m·K). However, as the temperature increases, the thermal conductivity of SiC decreases. At higher temperatures, typically around 1000°C to 1200°C, the thermal conductivity of SiC reduces to about 70 W/(m·K).

The thermal conductivity of silicon carbide (SiC) is an important property that allows it to effectively dissipate heat in various applications. At room temperature, SiC exhibits a high thermal conductivity of approximately 120 W/(m·K), making it an excellent choice for heat management. This high thermal conductivity is beneficial for thermal management in electronic devices, power electronics, and other high-temperature applications where efficient heat dissipation is crucial.

However, as the temperature of SiC increases, the thermal conductivity of the material decreases. This decrease in thermal conductivity can be observed at temperatures around 1000°C to 1200°C, where the thermal conductivity of SiC drops to about 70 W/(m·K). The reduction in thermal conductivity with temperature is primarily attributed to increased phonon-phonon interactions within the material.

Phonons are quantized lattice vibrations in a crystal lattice, and they play a crucial role in heat conduction by carrying thermal energy through the material. As the temperature rises, phonon-phonon interactions become more prevalent, leading to a decrease in the material's thermal conductivity. This phenomenon results in a lower thermal conductivity of SiC at elevated temperatures compared to room temperature.

Understanding the relationship between temperature and thermal conductivity of silicon carbide is essential for optimizing its performance in various high-temperature applications. By considering the thermal properties of SiC at different temperature ranges, engineers and researchers can design efficient heat management systems that leverage the material's unique characteristics.