Researchers combine low heat conductivity with stiff layered material

North Carolina State University researchers developed a layered material that combines thermal conductivity of about 0.04 watts per meter per kelvin at room temperature with stiffness of 7.7 gigapascals. The conductivity is comparable to fiberglass insulation, while its stiffness is close to plastics or wood. The researchers replaced flexible carbon chains in the material's organic layers with rigid benzene rings. They report it is 700-10,000 times stiffer than silicone and five times better at insulating against heat. Production as thin foam or coatings is a potential application.