The thermal conductivity of selected tropical timber species using hot box method

Abstract

In this study, thermal conductivity of selected tropical timber species was determined using hot box method. The test was conducted up until the heat flux, air temperature and surface temperature value at hot and cold chamber of hot box become constant. Each of the selected timber species represent hardwood and softwood as classified in MS 544: Part 2:2011. For this purpose, Chengal (Neobalanocarpus heimii – Dipteracarpaceae), Perupok (Lophopetalum spp. Celastraceae) Nyatoh (Sapotaceae) and Pulai (Alstonia spp. Apocynaceae) were tested. The thermal conductivity test was carried out based on BS EN ISO 8990:1996 standard. The thermal conductivity for Chengal, Perupok, Nyatoh and Pulai under steady state condition are 5.71 × 10-4, 3.595 × 10-4, 2.973 × 10-4 and 3.469 × 10-4 W/m2K respectively. Higher thermal conductivity value is significant with high density of materials.