Polymers are materials marked by specific physical properties, different from those such as metals, alloys or ceramics. Temperature-modulated temperature profile in the investigation of polymers by dilatometry may have many outstanding features, similar to those of temperature modulated DSC. However the experimental conditions are more stringent than those of conventional dilatometry. An overview of dilatometer types is presented. Taking into account specific properties of the sample such as softness and heat transfer, an optimal choice of dilatometer was made and experimental conditions were established. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.