word for ability to conduct heat?

Question

Is there a word used to refer to a material's ability to conduct heat? What metals have the highest heat conduction?

Likewise for retaining heat. I heard the two are distinct properties as non-intuitive as that sounds.

I'm looking for a metal that can be placed in a furnace but be cool to the touch as soon as possible after removing it.

Answer 1

I believe that "conductivity" describes the ability to transfer heat and "specific heat" describes the ability to store heat. If you want something to cool off fast, it should have a low specific heat. And, yes, they are disconnected. Rock is a lousy conductor of heat but has a high specific heat. Some simple solar systems use rock as heat storage. google on the specific heats of metals.

Answer 2

The word "conductivity" describes the phenomenon. Silver has the highest thermal and electrical conductivity (the two are related). Copper has the second highest conductivity (very close to silver) and is far more economical. Stainless steels (mostly nickel and chromium) are notoriously poor conductors. This means you can put one end in the furnace and safely handle the other end. Aluminum is a good conductor but, because of it's light weight, is probably the best bet if you intend to heat the entire piece and want it to cool down as quickly as possible. There are other lighter metals but they're either too expensive, too toxic, or too flammable to be practical. Click on my avatar and email me, if you want more details or numerical data.

Set up a fan to blow cool air over the part and it will cool much more quickly. Be aware that the rate that a metal cools has profound effects on its properties. Depending on your application that may or maynot be an issue.

Sounds like you're cooking up something fun..............

Answer 3

Such a metal does not exist. Metals are thermally conductive, which is what will cause the burning of your hands if you touch it.

The Space Shuttle uses special ceramic tiles, which are poor thermal conductors. This prevents the transfer of heat from the tile to your hand and prevents burns:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/question308.htm
http://www.hightechscience.org/space_shuttle_thermal_tile.htm
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Evolution_of_Technology/TPS/Tech41.htm
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/reference/shutref/orbiter/tps/hrcitiles.html

Answer 4

conductivity - ability to conduct heat
resistivity, insulator - resist heat transfer

I cant think of any metals what will work, aluminum foil maybe? Why are you limiting yourself to metals? I would suggest ceramics, try bricks or clay.

Answer 5

Conductivity is the term and copper, silver and aluminium are good conductors of heat.

Answer 6

thermic conductiviy, or heattransferrating