Expansion Properties Research Articles

Effects of delayed drying interval and the drying temperature of popcorn on sensory and technological quality

The maintenance of the sensory and expansion properties of popcorn are essential during the post-harvest stages. The delay in drying, and drying temperature can negatively influence the technological and sensorial quality of the popcorn. Therefore, in this study the effects of the delayed drying interval and drying temperature on black and white popcorn were evaluated. The increase in delayed drying interval, linked to increased drying temperature provided a reduction in protein solubility (31.14 and 21.06%), expansion weight (65.01 and 100.00%) and expansion yield (89.40 and 100.00%), when analyzing the white and black popcorn, respectively. Furthermore, an increase was observed in expansion residue (308.07%) and a reduction in the brightness of the expanded popcorn (24.77%), when analyzing the white popcorn. It was observed a reduction in all evaluated sensory parameters (Global acceptance, purchase intent, and expanded popcorn size, odor and flavor). In both genotypes studied, the maintenance of sensory and expansion properties, which give the higher added value to this product, were achieved with the lower delayed drying interval and drying at 40°C. The outcomes of this study showed the importance of drying popcorn grains right after harvesting. The effects of drying delay significantly affected the quality of both studied genotypes.

Unveiling the Impact of Absorbent Polymers on Self-healing Efficiency of Sludge-derived Capsules in Cementitious Composites

A novel green capsule for self-healing cementitious material using a combination of waste-based materials with an inorganic substance was developed. A mix of alum sludge (AS), a typical waste from the water industry, and calcium hydroxide were used as the primary healing agents. Also, two types of natural and synthetic absorbent polymers (AP), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium polyacrylate (SPA), were added to the core mixture to assess their impact on the healing efficiency. The morphology of the produced capsules, the self-healing proficiency of cracked mortars, and the resulting healing materials were characterised. Outcomes revealed that cracks up to 400µm could be healed by the plain capsule. The closure width was dramatically increased to 500µm and 800µm with the inclusion of MCC and SPA, respectively, mainly in 3 days. The expansion, water retention, and bridging properties of the APs enhanced the sealing performance of the capsules by providing nucleation sites and increasing the reaction rates of core materials to generate further calcium-based products inside the cracks. Therefore, higher recovery rates of mechanical strengths, along with a significant reduction in water ingress were achieved. The main healing products were identified as calcite crystals, C-S-H, calcium silicate, and aluminium-bearing phases.

Synthesis and characterization of La2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics for electronic substrate application

Fracture-resistant glass ceramic materials are critical for the advancement of electronic substrates. In this study, we successfully synthesized La2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics through the solid-state method. Comprehensive investigations were conducted into their phase composition, crystallization kinetics, microstructure, mechanical, thermal expansion, and microwave dielectric properties. The Kissinger, Ozawa, and Augis-Bennett methods are all appropriate for characterizing glass crystallization behavior. Mechanical testing results showed a sample with a composition of 45wt% La2O3-30wt% Al2O3-25wt% SiO2 exhibited superior properties attributed to its high crystallinity and dense microstructure, including the highest flexural strength (229.4MPa), Vickers hardness (8.78GPa), elastic modulus (118.7GPa), and fracture toughness (2.8MPa·m1/2). Notably, the fracture toughness values obtained using the VIF and SENB methods were significantly higher than those obtained using the EM method, and the validity of the data was confirmed by Weibull distribution analysis. These findings underscore the potential application of the developed glass ceramics in the field of electronic substrates.

Enhanced Toughness of KZr2(PO4)3 ceramics via hydrothermal Incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes/KZr₂(PO₄)₃ (MWCNTs/KZP) composite ceramics were successfully prepared by introducing MWCNTs during the hydrothermal process. The impact of MWCNTs addition on the crystal structure, morphology, mechanical strength, and thermal expansion properties of KZP ceramics was investigated. XRD and SEM analyses revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs did not alter the phase and crystal structure of KZP. It was observed that the MWCNTs formed a strong interfacial bond with the KZP matrix and were uniformly dispersed. Mechanical testing showed that the composite ceramic with 0.3 wt% MWCNTs exhibited significantly improved flexural strength and fracture toughness, measuring 125.08 MPa and 2.57 MPa·m1/2, respectively, compared to the KZP ceramic. This enhancement was attributed to the refinement of KZP grain size and the formation of a high-strength bonding interface between MWCNTs and the KZP matrix. Moreover, the incorporation of MWCNTs not only improved the toughness of KZP ceramics but also imparted exceptional thermal properties, with a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) ranging from -0.30 to 0.49×10-6/K, demonstrating outstanding near-zero low thermal expansion characteristics.

Cryogenic rapid quenching simultaneously enhances the strength and ductility of steel–Aluminum composite plates

Roll-bonded steel–aluminum composite plates exhibit poor plasticity due to work hardening induced by severe plastic deformation. In this study, the mechanisms for improving the plasticity of steel–aluminum composite plates were investigated through liquid-nitrogen quenching from both material science and mechanical perspectives. From a materials science perspective, rapid cryogenic quenching forms numerous dislocation walls and cells within the Al matrix. These dislocation configurations effectively limit dislocation movement during tensile deformation. Additionally, the difference in thermal expansion properties between the steel and aluminum matrices generate significant microstrain near the interface, enhancing the back stress-induced strengthening effect. From a mechanical perspective, rapid cryogenic quenching increases the hardness and tensile strength of the aluminum matrix. A stronger aluminum matrix restricts the deformation of the steel matrix during tensile loading, delaying the onset of necking in the steel matrix. Additionally, the significant hardening of the aluminum matrix can cause the tensile specimen to bend, creating two potential necking points that divide the tensile strain, thereby significantly increasing the pre-necking deformation of the composite plate. Compared with untreated specimens, the tensile elongation and tensile strength of the specimens treated with rapid cryogenic quenching increased by 49.1% and 10.8%, respectively. This study provides a novel approach to simultaneously enhance the strength and plasticity of composite plates.

Effect of occupational exposure to ADCA on the incidence of allergic respiratory reactions - a literature review

1,1'-azodi(formamide) (ADCA) is widely used as a blowing agent, a chemical substance designed to induce foaming processes. In Poland, ADCA is manufactured by a company specializing in the production of polyethylene foam bags and laminates used in various industries including home appliances, electronics, construction, furniture, automotive, and sports and leisure. The mechanism of action of ADCA involves thermal decomposition, resulting in nitrogen, carbon monoxide, as well as ammonia and carbon dioxide as the main gaseous decomposition products. These penetrate the polymer matrix, contributing to expansion and foaming properties. Most studies evaluating the relationship between occupational exposure and the development of allergic respiratory diseases focus on workers involved in ADCA production or its use as a blowing agent in plastics. The objective is to assess the respiratory sensitizing effects of ADCA in humans due to occupational exposure, based on literature data. The presented data confirm that long-term occupational exposure to ADCA can lead to persistent bronchial hyperreactivity symptoms in workers. 1,1'-azodi(formamide) can induce occupational asthma, with initial symptoms including nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, wheezing, and cough. Subsequently, symptoms such as chest tightness, dyspnea, and nocturnal cough attacks may appear, with a latency period of several years observed before symptom onset. In some cases, symptom progression was noted with continued ADCA exposure, while in others, exposure was discontinued after initial symptoms, preventing observation of symptom exacerbation. Prior exposure to allergens, such as working in bakeries, appears to accelerate symptom onset. Improvement in allergy symptoms has been noted during weekend breaks from work. There is no safe concentration identified for ADCA that would not result in adverse health effects for workers. A concentration of 0.036 mg/m3 is considered the lowest observed adverse effect concentration, causing critical reduction in lung spirometric parameters. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5).

Expansion Properties of the Young Supernova Type Iax Remnant Pa 30 Revealed

The recently discovered Pa 30 nebula, the putative type Iax supernova remnant associated with the historical supernova of 1181 AD, shows puzzling characteristics that make it unique among known supernova remnants. In particular, Pa 30 exhibits a complex morphology, with a unique radial and filamentary structure, and it hosts a hot stellar remnant at its center, which displays oxygen-dominated, ultrafast winds. Because of the surviving stellar remnant and the lack of hydrogen and helium in its filaments, it has been suggested that Pa 30 is the product of a failed thermonuclear explosion in a near- or super-Chandrasekhar white dwarf, which created a subluminous transient, a rare subtype of the Ia class of supernovae called type Iax. We present here a detailed study of the 3D structure and velocities of a full radial section of the remnant. The Integral Field Unit observations, obtained with the new red channel of the Keck Cosmic Web Imager spectrograph, reveal that the ejecta are consistent with being ballistic, with velocities close to the free-expansion velocity. Additionally, we detect a large cavity inside the supernova remnant and a sharp inner edge to the filamentary structure, which coincides with the outer edge of a bright ring detected in infrared images. Finally, we detect a strong asymmetry in the amount of ejecta along the line of sight, which might hint at an asymmetric explosion. Our analysis provides strong confirmation that the explosion originated from SN 1181.

High-Entropy Magnet Enabling Distinctive Thermal Expansions in Intermetallic Compounds.

The high-entropy strategy has gained increasing popularity in the design of functional materials due to its four core effects. In this study, we introduce the concept of a "high-entropy magnet (HEM)", which integrates diverse magnetic compounds within a single phase and is anticipated to demonstrate unique magnetism-related properties beyond that of its individual components. This concept is exemplified in AB2-type layered Kagome intermetallic compounds (Ti,Zr,Hf,Nb,Fe)Fe2. It is revealed that the competition among individual magnetic states and the presence of magnetic Fe in originally nonmagnetic high-entropy sites lead to intricate magnetic transitions with temperature. Consequently, unusual transformations in thermal expansion property (from positive to zero, negative, and back to near zero) are observed. Specifically, a near-zero thermal expansion is achieved over a wide temperature range (10-360 K, αv = -0.62 × 10-6 K-1) in the A-site equal-atomic ratio (Ti1/5Zr1/5Hf1/5Nb1/5Fe1/5)Fe2 compound, which is associated with successive deflection of average Fe moments. The HEM strategy holds promise for discovering new functionalities in solid materials.

Kirigami-Inspired Three-Dimensional Metamaterials with Programmable Isotropic and Orthotropic Thermal Expansion.

Mechanical metamaterials with specifically designed cells can provide unusual thermal expansion properties for diverse applications. Limited by very few available cell topologies and complicated non-linear structural deformation, most existing thermal expansion metamaterials can only achieve orthogonally isotropic negative/zero/positive thermal expansion (NTE/ZTE/PTE) within a mild range, especially the 3D ones. Here, based on one-degree-of-freedom kirigami polyhedrons proposed with a kinematic design strategy, a family of 3D isotropic and orthotropic metamaterials capable of programmable NTE, PTE, and even ZTE over ultra-wide range is developed. Incorporating bi-material strips as creases for isotropic polyhedrons, NTE and PTE metamaterials with coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) ranging from -2354.3 to 3006.7ppm/°C are designed and programmed by the theoretical model. Meanwhile, isotropic ZTE metamaterials are constructed by either homogeneous tessellation of ZTE cells or hybrid tessellation of NTE and PTE cells. Furthermore, by allowing distinct geometric parameters in the three orthogonal directions of the kirigami polyhedrons while preserving the kinematic motion, orthotropic metamaterials, in which each of the three directions can be assigned with an independently programmed NTE, ZTE, or PTE, are also achieved. This study paves a novel pathway for the development of thermal expansion metamaterials with potential applications for space optical systems, MEMS, and so on.

Effects of LPSO Mg12YZn-Phase on Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Y–Zn Alloys

Effects of LPSO Mg12YZn-Phase on Coefficient of Thermal Expansion and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Y–Zn Alloys

Sugar inclusion influences the expansion characteristics of corn starch extrudates.

Corn starch-based direct expanded products incorporated with 2% and 10% (w/w) sugar (fructose, glucose, sucrose, and xylose) were produced using a 20mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The pasting and thermal properties of raw corn starch-sugar mixes were analyzed before extrusion processing. The independent variables for extrusion processing included two sugar inclusion levels (2% and 10% w/w) and two screw speeds (150 and 250rpm). The extrudates were characterized by their initial expansion ratio (IER), expansion ratio (ER), and shrinkage. ER values were high for fructose at 2% and 150rpm and 10% glucose and sucrose extrudates at 250rpm. The extrudates with 2% sucrose inclusion shrunk significantly higher than the control. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of the extruded blends did not indicate the presence of any new covalent bond formed between starch and sugar post-extrusion. The interactions between sugar concentration and screw speed significantly influenced extrudate expansion characteristics. Due to their thermal and plasticizing properties, sugar inclusion (glucose, fructose, sucrose, and xylose) enhanced the extrudate expansion by altering their melt viscosity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings of this study can improve the expansion characteristics of high-fiber-based extruded snacks. Ingredients high in fiber generally hinder the starch transformation during extrusion and negatively impact the expansion properties. The presence of sugar at low concentrations can improve melt properties during extrusion processing and, in turn, significantly improve the textural properties of snacks.

Varieties and cooking conditions difference in quality of instant brown rice

Amylose content is an important indicator that determines the hardness and softness of rice, which depends on rice varieties. Three types of specialty colored rice in Vietnam were selected for research on instant rice production including DH6 brown rice (DH6), Huyet Rong rice (HR), and Cam Cai Lay rice (CL). Proximate compositions and antioxidant properties such as total anthocyanin and total phenolic content in three kinds of rice were analyzed and compared. In addition, the effect of varieties and ratios of rice and water on the cooking time, volume expansion, antioxidant compounds and sensory properties were observed. The results showed that varieties led to differences in the nutritional profile of rice. CL and HR have the highest anthocyanin content (54.9-56.5 mg/100 g). DH6 brown rice is considered as the low amylose rice, with the content of amylose about 4.6%. Besides, it was also found that using “Cam Cai Lay” rice could create products with good structure and high sensory value. The results also confirmed that the product is of good quality when using a ratio of rice: water 1:2 and a cooking time of 30 mins. Types of rice and cooking conditions remarkably affected the quality of instant rice, which could further optimize for the up-scale process.

Topology optimization for metamaterials with negative thermal expansion coefficients using energy-based homogenization

Since the existing topology designs of negative thermal expansion metamaterials are primarily based on the asymptotic homogenization theory, this paper conducts a topology optimization method of negative thermal expansion metamaterials based on the computationally efficient energy-based homogenization for the first time. In this research, (1) a new effective thermal stress coefficient equation is pioneeringly proposed using energy-based homogenization frame, where its theoretical derivation process is presented as well as its effectiveness and computational efficiency are verified by comparative cases. Additionally, the matlab code is open-sourced for public learning. (2) A topology optimization design of both 2D and 3D metamaterials with negative thermal expansion properties is established innovatively with Discrete Material Optimization (DMO). Its advantages are illustrated compared with the convectional method and its results are validated by Finite Element Method simulations. The new methods have promising applications in the evaluation and optimization of thermal expansion properties of composites.

Strain Measurement on a PBX during Temperature Cycling Using Fibre Bragg Gauges

AbstractThe anisotropic and irreversible expansion properties of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX) can significantly influence the utility and reliability of associated equipment. The physical state of PBX under temperature cycling affects the strain distribution across the surface of cylindrical specimens. This strain is indicative of the irreversible growth and anisotropic expansion of the specimens. In this study, fiber Bragg grating sensors are employed to monitor the strain of PBX throughout the temperature cycling process, and our focus was on analyzing the changes in anisotropy and strain distribution during the cycle. The relationships between strain, temperature, material properties, and differences among various materials are examined. Experimental results indicate that the strain along the height and radial directions of the PBX specimens displayed a monotonic gradient distribution, increasing progressively in areas of higher density. TATB‐based PBX exhibited anisotropic expansion throughout the temperature cycling, with the degree of anisotropy increasing during heating and decreasing upon cooling. Conversely, HMX‐based PBX showed greater expansion in the height direction during both the heating and cooling phases, but it did not display noticeable anisotropy following the temperature cycling. At the highest temperature‐holding stage (100°C), the HMX‐based PBX was isotropic. The extent of strain in PBX was correlated with the thermal expansion coefficient of the crystal, although the final degree of expansion was not dependent on the initial range of strain. The ratchet growth of TATB‐based PBX was approximately 31 μϵ greater than that of HMX‐based PBX.

A study on solid-shell finite element formulations applied to nonlinear thermoelastic analysis of thin-walled structures

The solid-shell elements have shown great advantages in three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) simulation of thin-walled structures. To overcome the numerical lockings for 3D element with a large span-thickness ratio, the assumed natural strain (ANS) method combined by either the hybrid stress (HS) or enhanced assumed strain (EAS) formulations are commonly used. In this work, two types of finite element formulations of the solid-shell elements are developed for nonlinear thermoelastic analysis of thin-walled structures, which are termed as the “ANS+HS” and “ANS+EAS” formulations. Accordingly, two eight-node solid-shell elements (CSSH8 and CSSE8) are developed based on the “ANS+HS” and “ANS+EAS” formulations, respectively. The Green–Lagrange displacement–strain relation is applied to involve the geometrical nonlinearities, and both the thermal expansion and temperature-dependent material properties are considered. Nonlinear thermoelastic equilibrium equations are constructed in the framework of the two types of finite element formulations using the Hellinger–Reissner and conventional variational principles, respectively. The proposed method can easily realize three different coupling analyses for thermal–mechanical loads by modifying the parameters of nonlinear thermoelastic equilibrium equations. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method using CSSH8 and CSSE8 elements traces the nonlinear thermoelastic response of the isogrid stiffened panel as accurately as the shell, solid-shell, and solid elements of ABAQUS. Furthermore, the path-following capability of the proposed method using the CSSH8 with “ANS+HS” formulation is slightly superior to that using the CSSE8 with “ANS+EAS” formulation, but both better than ABAQUS.

Sea buckthorn and its flavonoids isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol favorably influence bone and breast tissue health.

Bone tissue and breast tissue are interrelated, as demonstrated by breast microcalcifications, breast cancer bone metastases, bone morphogenetic proteins, and Wnt signaling. In addition, osteoblasts and osteoclasts represent an important switch of tumor cell dormancy during bone metastasis. Damage to both types of tissues mentioned above is highly prevalent, especially in postmenopausal women, and manifests itself in osteoporosis and breast cancer. Sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides L.), a botanical drug with high antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties, has great therapeutic potential due to the unique composition of its bioactive metabolites. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge from in vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of sea buckthorn, as well as its most widespread flavonoids isorhamnetin, quercetin, and kaempferol, on bone and breast tissue health. In vitro studies have revealed the beneficial impacts of sea buckthorn and aforementioned flavonoids on both bone health (bone remodeling, mineralization, and oxidative stress) and breast tissue health (cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, tumor growth, and metastatic behavior). In vivo studies have documented their protective effects against disturbed bone microarchitecture and reduced bone strength in animal models of osteoporosis, as well as against tumor expansion and metastatic properties in animal xenograft models. In any case, further research and clinical trials are needed to carefully evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of sea buckthorn and its flavonoids. Based on the available information, however, it can be concluded that these bioactive metabolites favorably affect both bone and breast tissue health.

Study on the anchoring properties of new water glass-modified alkali-activated portland cement materials

This study developed a novel water glass-modified alkali-activated portland cement (WGSC) anchoring agent, characterized by low cost, rapid setting, early strength, and slight expansion. It is suitable for fully bonded anchor rod anchoring in soft rock tunnels. Using orthogonal experiments and range analysis, the optimal composition of WGSC was determined: silicate cement as the matrix, water-cement ratio of 0.3, 20 % sodium silicate with a modulus of 3.3, 2.5 % early strength agent, and 9 % UEA. The initial/final setting times were 6.72/8.63 minutes, linear expansion rates at 3 days/7 days were 0.32 %/0.54 %, and compressive strengths at 1 hour/24 hours were 16.4/28.2 MPa. Pull-out model tests demonstrated a 47.95–92.85 % increase in 24 h tensile bond strength compared to conventional silicate cement anchoring agents. Corrosion resistance tests indicated WGSC maintained a stable appearance compared to traditional agents. SEM analysis revealed a dense structure and clear network in WGSC, while XRD analysis identified microcomponents mainly as CSH, active silica (SiO2), and CASH, contributing to its dense structure and ideal expansion properties, facilitating superior anchoring and durability. This research elucidates the mechanism of WGSC, confirming its rapid setting, compressive strength, and corrosion resistance advantages, making it economically feasible and advantageous for application and promotion, thereby providing insights for the development of anchoring materials in highly deformed soft rock tunnels.

Alkali-Silica Reaction and Residual Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Mortar Containing Waste Glass Fine Aggregate and Supplementary Cementitious Materials

This paper presents the influence of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and waste glass fine aggregate (GA), on the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in high-strength and normal-strength mortar using an accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT). Residual mechanical properties and scanning electron micrographs were used to assess the changes in the matrix. GA reduced the mechanical properties of both normal-strength (NGA_OPC) and high-strength mortars (HGA_OPC), contributing to a decline in overall performance. This phenomenon was a result of the slipping of the GA from the matrix owing to its smooth surface. However, the inclusion of reactive SF and GGBS in the HGA improved the slip phenomenon of the GA, leading to a significant enhancement in its mechanical properties. Following the ASR expansion measurement, HGA_OPC demonstrated an ASR expansion rate approximately three times higher than that of NGA_OPC. This was attributed to the dense structure of HGA_OPC, which resulted in greater expansion than that of NGA_OPC. However, with the incorporation of SCMs into both HGA and NGA, a significant reduction in ASR expansion was observed. This was attributed to the delayed ASR of GA due to alkali activation or the pozzolanic reaction of the SCMs. Continuous exposure to the AMBT environment can lead to the destruction of GA. This was caused by the inner ASR that originated from the surface crack of the GA, which resulted in a reduction in the flexural strength of the mortar. The HGA with SF exhibited the highest resistance to ASR expansion and residual mechanical properties’ degradation. Therefore, various durability and long-term performance-monitoring studies on ultra-high-performance concrete or high-strength cementitious composites with very high SF contents and GA can be conducted.

Rock Fracturing Characteristics and Roadway Expansion Application of Static Crushing Agent under Multi-Row Drilling Condition

Static crushing agent (SCA) offers advantages such as good safety, no harmful gases, and minimal vibration, making SCA ideal for rock crushing in mines or underground engineering. To scientifically implement the section expansion of mine roadway, the rock mechanical parameters, SCA expansion properties, and cracking behavior of surrounding rock were investigated using laboratory tests, numerical simulations, and field experiments. Results indicate that the smaller hole spacing of SCA improves the fracturing effect on rock mass, reduces the required fracture initiation stress and penetration stress, and the presence of a free surface aids in fracture development in the rock mass. Optimal borehole design parameters and spacing distributions of the SCA were determined, and corresponding construction techniques of roadway expansion were proposed. Field tests demonstrate that static crushing technology, under multi-row drilling conditions, is highly effective for rock roadway expansion projects. These findings provide valuable guidance for non-explosive expansion and other roof breaking treatment projects.

High-temperature structure, elasticity, and thermal expansion of ε-ZrH1.8

Zirconium hydride is a promising candidate material for nuclear microreactor applications as a solid-state moderator component, owing to its favorable neutronics properties and good thermal stability over other metal hydrides. In the present work, the crystal structure, thermal expansion, and elastic properties of the hydrogen-rich ε phase hydride were measured at elevated temperatures in the range 300–900 K. Samples were prepared by direct hydriding Zircaloy-4 metal – a nuclear-grade zirconium alloy. Room-temperature lattice parameters agree well with those reported from literature for unalloyed zirconium hydride and fall within an observed quadratic H-content dependence. The coefficients of thermal expansion, determined from lattice expansion and dilatometry, agree well within our work but were about 30 % lower than those reported by others for unalloyed hydrides. Density functional theory-based molecular dynamics simulations were used to compare with thermal expansion and elasticity measurements. Results showed lattice parameter temperature dependence and slope of thermal expansion align with those from measurements. Based on diffraction scans at select temperatures, ε phase remained stable in air up to at least 770 K. Likewise, dilatometry showed smooth thermal expansion up to the thermal decomposition temperature around 950 K. The precise decomposition temperature was not determined via diffraction due to sparse scanning. The complete elastic property measurements were gathered for ε-phase Ziracloy-4 hydride for the first time. Young's modulus was lower compared to the metal and δ hydride phases. High-temperature elasticity measurements were limited to <350 K due to acoustic dissipation effects.