ASTM E228: Solid Linear Thermal Expansion Vitreous Silica Testing Services
ASTM E228 specifies the method for obtaining linear thermal expansion coefficient of rigid solids using a push-rod dilatometer. A rigid solid has negligible creep or elastic strain effects. This test is used in thermal modelling, design of equipment and components handling wide variation in operating temperatures, quality control and development of new materials for thermal applications.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
What Is ASTM E228 Solid Linear Thermal Expansion Vitreous Silica?
ASTM E228 is a standardized technique for determining the amount of rigid solid materials’ expansion with heat using push-rod dilatometry. It is usually used for materials that have a linear coefficient of thermal expansion above 0.5 µm/m·°C.
The basic principle is quite simple: when the sample is heated, it expands in length. This expansion presses a rod, and a sensor measures how much the length changes as the temperature increases. This technique is commonly used for metals, ceramics, and polymers over a wide range of temperatures.
Applications and Benefits of ASTM E228 Solid Linear Thermal Expansion Vitreous Silica Testing
Scope
ASTM E228 describes the procedure for measuring the linear thermal expansion of rigid solid materials using dilatometry. This standard is relevant for metals, ceramics, polymers, and other solid materials that possess a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of more than 0.5 µm/m·°C.
The procedure involves monitoring the change in dimensions of a material as the temperature is raised. The temperature range over which the measurements are possible begins from -180 °C and extends to 900 °C when using vitreous silica push rods, 1600 °C when using alumina push rods, and reaches a maximum of 2500 °C when using graphite-based systems.
Applications
- Thermal modeling and simulation
- Design of components exposed to temperature variation
- Equipment design for high-temperature environments
- Quality control of materials
- Matching materials for thermal compatibility
- Failure analysis due to thermal stress
- Development of advanced thermal materials
- Aerospace and automotive components
- Electronics and semiconductor materials
Benefits
- Accurate measurement of coefficient of thermal expansion
- Wide temperature range capability
- Applicable to multiple material classes
- Supports thermal stress analysis
- Improves product reliability and performance
- Enables material selection for temperature-critical applications
- Provides standardized and repeatable results
Our ASTM E228 Testing Procedure
Specimen Preparation & Placement
Prepare sample as per requirement and place in push-rod dilatometer holder.
1Furnace & Push-Rod Setup
Enclose specimen in furnace; ensure push rod contacts specimen end.
2Controlled Heating & Measurement
Heat at programmed rate and measure linear expansion.
3Data Analysis
Calculate CTE from expansion vs. temperature data (reference sample optional).
4ASTM E228 Test Parameters and Requirements
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Rigid solids (metals, ceramics, polymers) |
| Minimum CTE | > 0.5 µm/m·°C |
| Standard Temperature Range | -180 °C to 900 °C |
| Extended Range (Alumina Rod) | Up to 1600 °C |
| Extended Range (Graphite Rod) | Up to 2500 °C |
- Push-rod dilatometer (horizontal or vertical configuration)
- Cylindrical programmable furnace
- Vitreous silica, alumina, or graphite push rods
- Displacement sensor system (LVDT or equivalent)
- Temperature measurement system (thermocouples)
- Data acquisition and analysis software
- Reference sample holder (dual-channel systems)
Equipment and Instrumentation Used for ASTM E228 Testing
What You Receive: Test Report, Data, and Certification
- Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) value
- Specified temperature range for reported CTE
- Expansion vs. temperature curve
- Comparative material evaluation reports
ASTM E228 Solid Linear Thermal Expansion Vitreous Silica FAQs
ASTM E228 testing determines the linear thermal expansion and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE) of rigid solid materials as a function of temperature using a push-rod dilatometer.
ASTM E228 can be applied to a wide range of rigid solids, including metals, ceramics, refractories, glasses, rocks, minerals, graphite, plastics, cements, wood, and composites.
ASTM E228 is applicable over any practical temperature range where the required dilatometer can meet the standard's performance requirements. The method was originally developed for vitreous silica dilatometers from −180°C to 900°C.
CTE data helps predict dimensional changes caused by temperature variations and assess thermal stresses that may develop when different materials are combined. This is particularly important for components exposed to repeated or significant temperature changes.
ASTM E228 testing is useful for research and development, material qualification, specification acceptance, quality control, and quality assurance. CTE measurements can support the design and compatibility assessment of materials used in thermal, structural, electronic, ceramic, and composite applications.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Solid Linear Thermal Expansion Vitreous Silica Testing?
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
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