This part of ISO 22007 describes the background to methods for the determination of the thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of polymeric materials. Different techniques are available for these measurements and some may be better suited than others for a particular type, state and form of material. This part of ISO 22007 provides a broad overview of these techniques. Standards specific to these techniques, as referenced in this part of ISO 22007, are used to carry out the actual test method.