Applications: Thermal analysis of building materials and insulation materials
Building material testing as the basis for safety and quality
The number of materials used for construction purposes is growing continuously – from traditional building materials such as concrete, cement and mortar to modern insulation insulation and insulating materials.
This diversity also increases the need for to make well-founded statements about material and standards, laws and quality guidelines reliably.
A precise building material analysis not only ensures compliance with technical standards, but also reduces verifiable safety parameters also reduces the liability risk of all partners involved in the construction process.
It forms the basis for quality, sustainability and durability throughout the entire construction process.
Thermal analysis for the building materials industry
The Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) is a proven method for material characterization of mineral building materials such as concrete, cement, mortar, gypsum and composite materials.
It can be used to precisely investigate thermal and chemical processes, e.g:
Glass transitions with modified glass,
Binder burnout and decomposition behavior,
Degree of hydration of cement,
Thermal expansion and shrinkage of samples.
These measurements provide crucial data for the optimization of recipesthe quality assurance of building materials and energy efficiency during production.
Synchronized measurement - precise information gain
Compared to individual measurements, the STA offers the great advantage that change in weight (TGA) and heat flow (DSC) are measured synchronously and under identical conditions.
This produces more precise results, greater reproducibility and more information for material development and process control.
Relevant device: STA L82
Thermal conductivity of insulation materials
For the analysis of insulation materials and insulating materials the Heat Flow Meter (HFM) is used to analyze insulation materials.
This method enables precise determination of thermal conductivitya key parameter for energy energy efficiency, building protection and sustainability.
With measuring systems such as the HFM – Heat Flow Meter manufacturers can optimize the thermal performance of insulation boards, bricks or insulating glass in a targeted manner.
The measurement is carried out in accordance with international standards such as DIN EN 12664 / 12667 or ASTM C518 – and thus guarantees comparability and standard-compliant results.
Applications and use cases
Use Case 1: Thermal analysis of cement hydration
In the development of new cement formulations, thermal analysis provides precise data on the hydration reaction.
This allows curing time, water binding and temperature development can be can be controlled in a targeted manner.
In research and industry, this is crucial in order to avoid stress cracks and uneven curing and and to increase the compressive strength of concrete components components.
Use Case 2: Thermal conductivity of modern insulation materials
Energy-efficient buildings require insulation materials with precisely defined thermal properties.
The analysis with the Heat Flow Meter (HFM) the thermal conductivity of different material mixtures can be precisely compared.
This enables the targeted development of new insulation systems – for example for passive houses or lightweight constructions.
Supplementary procedures and devices
In addition to the STA and the HFM , other Linseis systems are used in building material analysis:
Dilatometer DIL L75 for measuring the thermal expansion,
Laser Flash Analyzer LFA L52 for the determination of thermal diffusivity,
TGA L83 for the mass change analysis of building material samples.
This allows the entire thermal character of a material to be fully recorded – from its composition to its behavior in the event of fire and its thermal conductivity.
