Nuclear Industry

In no sector of engineering are reliable material properties data more important than in the field of nuclear energy. This refers to the different categories of materials for nuclear reactors and nuclear waste management such as cladding materials, absorbers, structural materials, fresh and spent fuels, and other waste forms.

The thermodynamic and thermophysical properties are the main focus of our product line for nuclear materials testing. These, of course, have to be completed by mechanical properties for establishing a comprehensive material properties data base.


Thermophysical properties are broadly defined as those parameters relating to the interaction of matter and energy. These properties can be divided into two groups: (1) thermodynamic properties which relate to thermodynamic equilibrium and (2) transport properties which involve the movement of heat, mass or electric charge. With Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) we measure thermodynamic properties, such as specific heat and transition energetics, and with Dilatometry (DIL) we determine the thermal linear and volumetric expansion (ΔL/L0 and ΔV/V0), thermal linear and volumetric expansion coefficients (α and β) and density (d). Transport properties which include thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal diffusivity (a) are measured by LaserFlash Analyzers (LFA), by Heat Flow Meters (HFM), by Guarded Hot Plate Systems (GHP) and Hot Wire (TCT) techniques.

Our instruments cover a temperature range of -260°C to 2800°C and can be configured to operate in cold, fume hood, glovebox and hot cell environments.

We have the ideal solution for you!

• brochure: "Characterization of Nuclear Materials"

• Request to have a FREE print copy of our "Characterization of Nuclear Materials" brochure mailed to you!

• Request your personalized informational folder on products & services for Nuclear Materials!

Our product recommendation for you:

DIL 402 C
This highly vacuum-tight, horizontal push rod dilatometer with a measuring system made of Invar, a high-resolution inductive displacement transducer and comprehensive thermostatization offers high precision, reproducibility and long-term stability – the best qualifications for demanding use in research and development.
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DIL 402 E
The DIL 402 E dilatometer can be operated up to 2400°C or 2800°C with an optical pyrometer and a graphite furnace. High temperature resistant samples can thereby be studied in glassy carbon sample holders under inert conditions or in a vacuum. Thermocouples may be employed up to 2000°C.
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LFA 427
Outstanding attributes of the LFA 427 are high precision and reproducibility, short measuring times, variable sample holders and precisely adjustable atmosphere conditions in the application range from -70°C to 2800°C. The LFA 427 is the most powerful LFA system for use in research & development.
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LFA 457 MicroFlash®
The LFA 457 MicroFlash® is the most modern product for the determination of thermal diffusivity and conductivity in the range from -125°C to 1100°C. Its compact, vacuum-tight construction, automatic sample changer and functional software guarantee the highest effectiveness for challenging materials testing.
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NEW: STA 449 F1 Jupiter®
With the introduction of the new STA 449 F1 Jupiter® NETZSCH is setting new standards. Unlimited configuration flexibility and unmatched performance are the foundations for a great variety of application possibilities in the fields of ceramics, metals, plastics, and composites over a broad temperature range (-150...2400°C).
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NEW: DSC 404 F1 Pegasus®
The new NETZSCH DSC 404 F1 Pegasus®, High-Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimeter, allows the determination of specific heat and caloric effects in a broad temperature range with outstanding reliability, best resolution and accuracy. The high vacuum tight design, various furnaces and sensors, easily interchangeable by the user, make the new DSC 404 F1 Pegasus® to an ideal tool for DSC measurements at the highest level for research at universities and development tasks at the industrial sector.
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