I've seen them before in Home Depot/Lowe's for mixing concrete & such. I think the total darkness is a big drawback-& if they weren't so hard to cut into, they'd make nice hides for large snakes.
I'm not sure about the heat transfer either- I think they'd be much more insulating than the tubs most are using- they're much heavier & thicker. But some use UTH under wood, so that's about the same thing? I personally wouldn't but some say they do.