Thermal diffusivity measurement of polyethylene melt by a new temperature wave method

Thermal diffusivity of high density polyethylene (PE) has been measured by a new a. c. Joule-heating method. The diffusivity was determined at various temperatures between room temperature and above melting point in heating and cooling processes. This method is based on the phase shift of temperature waves across film sample, so that it offers several advantages, e.g., easy measuring in polymer melts.