In the Cold Chain Packaging industry, conduction is the Primary mode of heat transfer considered. Conduction is heat diffusion in solids, still fluids, ad semi solids such as gels, refrigerants, paper-based material, insulation, glass, and polymers. Thermal conductivity is directly proportionate to surface area, temperature differential, and inversely proportionate to the thickness of a material. (ISTA) A lower thermal conductivity is associated with an increased insulation capacity and increased resistance of heat transfer. Thermal ‘conductivity’ is independent of the thickness of a material. However, ‘conduction’ and the ‘R value’ do depend on the materials thickness. In addition, EPS foam has greater heat diffusion (Q, conduction) than PU, which is greater than VIP. Conversely, VIP has a greater insulatory capacity (R value) than PU, which is greater than EPS. (ISTA)
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