Analytical equations for temperature distribution and heat transfer rate from a cylindrical pin fin with orthotropic thermal conductivity, encountered in the use of thermally enhanced polymer composites, are derived and validated using detailed finite-element results. The thermal performance of such fins was found to depart from the classical fin solution with increasing radial conductivity-based Biot number. The in depth analysis of developed orthotropic axi-symmetric pin fin temperature and heat transfer rate equation is carried out to better understand the heat flow rate in such fins. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.