Dilatometric analysis is the measurement of the dimensional changes (contraction and expansion) that a material undergoes as a function of temperature when subjected to a controlled temperature programme in a controlled atmosphere.
For many materials, the dimensional changes that occur during heating and cooling can be used to determine the limits of their use, the size and shape into which they can be formed, their compatibility with other materials (for example, when joining them together), as well as to provide data that can be used to establish optimum processing conditions or determine the best use for the material. In the ceramics industry, for example, these conditions may include the formulation of the slurry, the size and shape into which the materials can be formed, and their firing cycles. This technique also allows the coefficient of thermal expansion to be calculated. The dimensional properties of materials also influence their resistance to thermal shock.
The main areas of application for this technique are research and development of new materials, metallurgy and the ceramics industry.