Composite dilatometer for polymer thin films

A dilatometer is described for measuring volume changes in polymer thin films over a temperature range of 30–150 °C. The dilatometer is made entirely of glass, except for a stainless steel base and an aluminum clamp, which allow the sample chamber to be reusable. The dilatometer has the capability to measure volume changes in a 0.2 cm3 sample to within 0.13%. Polymer volume data reduction is discussed as well as the calibration procedures for this dilatometer.