lowconductivity

Low conductivity refers to materials that poorly conduct electricity. Electrical conductivity, σ, measures how easily electric charges move through a material; it is the reciprocal of resistivity, ρ. Materials with low σ have high ρ and are typically classified as insulators or poor conductors.

Common low-conductivity materials include dry wood, glass, porcelain, most plastics, rubber, and air. In liquids, low conductivity indicates a low concentration of ions; distilled water and many oils or organic solvents exhibit low ionic conduction. Conductivity generally increases with temperature and with impurity content in a given material.

Temperature and microstructure influence conductivity. Metals typically become less conductive as temperature rises due to increased electron scattering. Insulators with wide band gaps have very low conductivity at room temperature, though some may show greater conduction at elevated temperatures due to ionic or electronic carriers.

Measurement methods vary by phase. For solids, conductivity can be assessed with four-point probe techniques or impedance spectroscopy. For liquids, conductivity meters measure conductance between electrodes; results are often expressed in siemens per meter (S/m) or, for solutions, in microsiemens or millisiemens per centimeter (µS/cm, mS/cm).

Applications of low-conductivity materials include electrical insulation for cables and housings, dielectric layers in capacitors, insulating coatings, and anti-static packaging. The choice of a low-conductivity material depends on factors such as temperature range, mechanical strength, chemical stability, and compatibility with other components.