Sample interview questions: How do you assess the thermal expansion or contraction behavior of materials in your research?
Sample answer:
Methods for Assessing Thermal Expansion and Contraction Behavior of Materials:
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Dilatometry:
- Direct measurement of length change as a function of temperature.
- Samples are placed in a controlled temperature environment and their length is monitored.
- High-resolution dilatometers can detect expansion or contraction on the nanometer scale.
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Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA):
- Indirect measurement of mass change as a function of temperature.
- Samples are heated or cooled in a controlled atmosphere, and their mass is recorded.
- Thermal expansion or contraction can be inferred from changes in mass due to phase transitions or vaporization.
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X-ray Diffraction (XRD):
- Measurement of changes in crystal lattice parameters with temperature.
- XRD beams are used to probe the spacing between atoms or molecules in a material.
- Thermal expansion or contraction alters the lattice parameters, which can be detected by shifts in diffraction peaks.
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Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM):
- Direct measurement of surface topography at the nanoscale.<... Read full answer
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- Direct measurement of surface topography at the nanoscale.<... Read full answer