Question No 2

(a) Thermal Conductivity of Tungsten @ < 100 K

In Tungsten, electrons are primarily responsible for conducting both heat and electricity. The
highest thermal conductivities are obtained in very pure metals in their annealed state. In many
pure metals, and in most crystalline non-metals, the thermal conductivity increases as the
temperature decreases until reaching a maximum value in the vicinity of 10 - 20 K. This may seem
surprising because the number of conduction electrons available to conduct heat falls with
decreasing temperature. However, the number of phonons or lattice vibrations, which scatter
electrons and limit conductivity, also decreases with temperature. The net effect is an increase in
thermal conductivity with decreasing temperature until the temperature becomes so low that
impurities and defects become the main limiting factor. However, at very low temperatures the
thermal conductivity is proportional to temperature.

In a good quality crystal that is free from defects and impurities, these lattice vibrations can
travel over long distances and effectively transport heat. Lattice vibrations actually scatter in
collisions with other lattice vibrations. Reducing the temperature reduces the number of lattice
vibrations, but allows those remaining to travel further, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity.
As with metals, a point is reached where impurities and defects limit the thermal conductivity,
resulting in a peak value in the range of 10 K to 100 K depending on the material. While good
thermal conductivity and good electrical conductivity go hand in hand for normal metals, the
reverse is true for superconductors.

Thermal Conductivity Variation of Tungsten-I with Temperature

Philips, single crystal [ CITATION WJd38 \l 1033 ]
(b) Conductivity of Tungsten with very High Temperatures i.e. above 2000 K

Of all metals in pure form, tungsten has the

highest melting point (3422 °C). The number of
phonons or lattice vibrations, which scatter electrons
and limit conductivity, increases with temperature.
Same can be appreciated from the figure shown on
the right side of the page [ CITATION YUN03 \l 1033
]. Thermal conductivity of Tungsten deceases with
the increase in temperature until it reaches the
lowest value of 5.5 W/m.K at about 2000 K.

(c) Conductivity of Graphene composite

material with spatial variation

Graphene is a two-dimensional matrix of

carbon atoms, arranged in a honeycomb lattice. A
single square-meter sheet of graphene would weigh
just 0.0077 grams but could support up to four
kilograms. That means it is thin and lightweight but
also incredibly strong. It also has a large surface
area, great heat and electricity conductivity and a
variety of additional incredible traits. This is probably
why scientists and researchers call it “a miracle material” and predict it will revolutionize just about
every industry known to man. The presence of graphene can enhance the conductivity and
strength of bulk materials and help create composites with superior qualities. Graphene can also
be added to metals, polymers and ceramics to create composites that are conductive and resistant
to heat and pressure [ CITATION Jin15 \l 1033 ]
.

Conductivity of Graphene with spatial variation

References
CENGEL, YUNUS A. 2003. "HEAT TRANSFER - A Practical Approach." Secon Edition; ISBN-13: 978-0072458930, FIGURE 2–62, 104.

Jingchao Zhang, Fei Xu, Yang Hong, Qingang Xiong and Jianming Pan. 2015. "A comprehensive review on the molecular dynamics
simulation of the novel thermal properties of graphene." Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.

W. J. deHaas, J. deNobel. 1938. Physica 5, 449-463.