Thermal conductivity of magnesium hydride before and after ball milling with vanadium and vanadium oxide catalyst has been investigated. Measurements were taken on the loose powder as well as on compacted pellets. We found an important reduction (33%) of thermal conductivity after ball milling. This reduction is attributed to the reduction of particle size. Addition of vanadium or vanadium oxide catalyst does not significantly modify the thermal conductivity. Pressing the powders into pellets greatly enhances thermal conductivity but raw magnesium hydride still has thermal conductivity 33% higher than ball milled compounds.
Keywords: Hydrogen storage materials; magnesium; thermal conductivity.