Dependence of thermal conductivity in micro to nano silica

This work presents the measurement of thermal conductivity of nano-silica particles using needle probe method. The validation test of thermal probe was conducted on ice and THF hydrates using our experimental set up and the results are satisfactory when compared with the literature data. The nano silica used in this study is with particle sizes in the range 50–1000 nm. The sand powders sieved in different sizes ?<75 and 75  μ m ?>? d ?>? 250  μ m were also studied to probe the particle size dependence on thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity decreased by about 70% in silica nano powders.