Measurement Capabilities of a Dilatometer

A dilatometer is used to characterize how materials change dimension with temperature. It provides quantitative insight into thermal behavior that is essential for materials development, quality control, and process optimization. Key properties and processes measurable with a dilatometer include: - Linear thermal expansion and contraction: Determine coefficients of thermal expansion and dimensional stability across temperature ranges. - Glass transition temperature (Tg): Identify the onset of the glass transition in polymers, glasses, and composites via dimensional change. - Densification and sintering: Monitor shrinkage during sintering to study densification kinetics and optimize firing schedules. - Heat-treatment optimization: Evaluate dimensional responses to thermal cycles to refine annealing, tempering, and other heat-treatment processes. - Effects of additives and raw materials: Compare formulation changes by tracking how fillers, binders, or alternative raw materials affect thermal expansion and shrinkage. - Reaction kinetics: Analyze dimensional evolution during thermally activated reactions to infer reaction rates and mechanisms. - Softening point detection: Determine softening behavior by observing deformation or dimensional change at elevated temperatures. - Phase transitions: Detect and characterize phase changes through discontinuities or slope changes in length–temperature curves.

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