4.1 Measurement of thermal expansion is useful for predicting stress within joined materials or single materials under conditions of changing or nonuniform temperature. It can also serve as an indicator of phase composition or changes in structure.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the linear thermal expansion of premelted frit (porcelain enamel and glaze) and ceramic whiteware products by the thermal dilatometer method. This test method is applicable to apparatus meeting the reproducibility and accuracy requirements of this test method, which are to produce percent linear expansion accuracy of ±3 % or better and coefficient of linear expansion accuracy of ±5 % or better.

1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.