Low cost technique for measuring thermal expansion of thin polymer samples 

 -  Polymer Testing, 1(22), p.57-62, 2002 .
<br/><br/> A simple low cost thermomechanical analyzer is described. The device is used to optimize the traction applied for straightening the sample. Optimization was carried out by plotting residual thermal elongation after cooling against degree of traction. With the optimum traction, it was possible to measure the sample's linear thermal expansion coefficient, nearly free from the creep effect. CTE's of some widely used polymers (polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate)are measured and compared with the published values. The performance of the measuring system (sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility)are presented and discussed. Advantages and limitations of usage of the system are given as a conclusion. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>CTE OF POLYMERS<br/>LOW COST TECHNIQUE<br/>THERMAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS<br/>POLYPROPYLENE<br/>LDPE<br/>PS<br/>POLYCARBONATE