Thermal properties-such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and s
pecific heat-of metal (copper, zinc, iron, and bronze) powder-filled high-d
ensity polyethylene composites are investigated experimentally i n the rang
e of filler content 0-24% by volume. Experimental results show a region of
low particle content, 0-16% by volume, where the particles are distributed
homogeneously in the polymer matrix and do not interact with each other. In
this region most of the thermal conductivity models for two-phase systems
are applicable. At higher particle content, the filler tends to form agglom
erates and conductive chains resulting in a rapid increase in thermal condu
ctivity.