Trident™ Application Highlight Testing the Thermal Conductivity and Effusivity of Condoms

The following Application Highlight addresses the measurement of condoms using the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) and FLEX Transient Plane Source (TPS) methods. Thermal conductivity and thermal effusivity are important properties in the development of condoms. Thermal conductivity measures a material's ability to conduct heat, affecting user comfort by transferring body heat efficiently, which can enhance the natural feel during use. It also plays a role in material performance during development and serves as a quality control parameter in production. Thermal effusivity, which measures a material's ability to exchange heat with its surroundings, impacts how warm or cool a condom feels to the touch, influencing user sensation and material selection during R&D. Understanding these properties helps manufacturers develop condoms that meet performance standards while providing a comfortable and satisfying experience for users. Herein, we present the results of the thermal conductivity assessment of condoms using the FLEX Transient Plane Source (TPS) method with thin film utility as well as the thermal effusivity of condoms using the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS).