Hello everyone,
I want to find out a material's coefficent of linear thermal expansion. Also I need the know the sintering behaviour of our material. Which experimental method will be better, dilatometer or TMA? Finally, the material will be placed in a engine where it will act as a catalyst, in the engine temperature's will rise very quickly.
I am getting mixed reviews about the comparison. In terms of feasibility, TMA is much more widely available. I am mainly getting confused about the force applied in each technique.
Any help will be appreciated also, if anyone could point to a good literature sources that would be really helpful
Hi Omkar Kedge ,
In short, it depends on the materials, the information you seek &/or application area. But, both can give you CTE & sintering behavior. A concise sum-up: In TMA, the relatively shorter sample is placed vertically & the force can be adjusted. In dilatometer, the relatively longer sample is placed horizontally & there's negligible force. Usually, different equipment manufacturers (for example, TA Instruments, Netzsch) do these comparative studies you are looking for.
In my opinion, it is always better to choose the readily available instrument. In your case, TMA would be better suited not only for accessibility but for application also where pressure might be a factor apart from temperature, though you know your application better.
Best regards
MN
A dilatometer is used for the measurement of dimensional changes in material as a function of temperature where as TMA allows to measure the coefficient of thermal expansion
Hi @Omkar,
To answer your doubt about spherical pellets: It depends on the spherical size, of course. If the spherical diameter is within the dimensional range of the instrument's sample chamber/holder, then it is possible, preferably in TMA. I guess placing the sample would be tricky but doable, & you don't want your specimen to be deformed Thermo-mechanically during the testing to achieve adequate results.
Best regards
MN
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