The Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion Tester determines the linear change of a refractory. Change in temperature levels causes this. Hence, it is useful to ascertain the reversibility of the characteristics.
It may also determines the expansion and contraction characteristics of raw materials and refractories. Limited to that do not exhibit reversible linear changes with increasing temperature.
The nature of most plastics and the construction of the dilatometer make −30 to +30°C (−22°F to +86°F) a convenient temperature range for linear thermal expansion measurements of plastics. This range covers the temperatures in which plastics are most commonly used.
Significance of Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion Test
This test method covers determination of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion for plastic materials having coefficients of expansion greater than 1 µm/(m.°C) by use of a vitreous silica dilatometer. At the test temperatures and under the stresses imposed, the plastic materials shall have a negligible creep or elastic strain rate or both, insofar as these properties would significantly affect the accuracy of the measurements. The nature of most plastics and the construction of the dilatometer make −30 to +30°C (−22°F to +86°F) a convenient temperature range for linear thermal expansion measurements of plastics. This range covers the temperatures in which plastics are most commonly used. Where testing outside of this temperature range or when linear thermal expansion characteristics of a particular plastic are not known through this temperature range.
The thermal expansion of a plastic is composed of a reversible component on which are superimposed changes in length due to changes in moisture content, curing, loss of plasticizer or solvents, release of stresses, phase changes and other factors. This test method is intended for determining the coefficient of linear thermal expansion under the exclusion of these factors as far as possible. In general, it will not be possible to exclude the effect of these factors completely. For this reason, the test method can be expected to give only an approximation to the true thermal expansion.
Optional with Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion Tester
Vertical Thermostatic Water Bath 
Temperature Range -40°C to +100°C
- ±0.2°C accuracy
- Bath Depth 120mm
- Circular Flow 6L/min
- Internal dimensions 280 x 250 x 220mm
- External dimensions 510 x 430 x 760mm