Influence of measurement parameters of laser flash analysis on the observed thermal diffusivity and the choice of parameters to get repeatable measurements

Sugar alcohols are food grade, low cost and have very high latent heat capacities. They are therefore an attractive candidate for energy storage applications. However, to be able to utilize their potential, thermal conductivity is an important constraint. Laser flash analysis (LFA 447) was used for the measurement of thermal diffusivity. Influence of sample thickness, measurement time, voltage, pulse width and choice of curve fitting model on the measured thermal diffusivity values is studied. These parameters are then carefully chosen to ensure repeatability in the diffusivity measurement of sugar alcohols. Diffusivity results obtained using these criteria for several sugar alcohols are found to be in good agreement with consecutive measurements.