Thermomechanical Analysis, or TMA, is a method used to determine the thermal properties of polymeric materials. Using minimal force at a range of temperatures, TMA can be used to find a variety of thermal and mechanical properties, including thermal expansion.
Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)
In most cases, TMA uses linear coefficient of thermal expansion to detect changes in material properties and structure. A small sample of polymeric material is heated on a quartz platform, and a rod applies a small amount of pressure. As the samples gets warmer, the material expands and the rod changes positions. Data is reported as a function of dimensional change of the material over temperature, and significant milestones are recorded.
Thermomechanical analysis is used for a variety of applications, including investigative chemistry, research and development, and material classification. In addition to a material’s coefficient of thermal expansion, TMA indicates glass transition temperature, changes in crystalline phases, melting temperature, and other characteristics. While TMA can be performed on virtually any polymeric material, it is most effective on samples with a high coefficient of thermal expansion.
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Considerations for Glass Transition Temperature
ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ offers a variety of methods for determining glass transition temperature and other important polymeric characteristics
Thermal Analysis (DSC, TMA, DMA, TGA)
Thermal analysis methods measure mechanical changes under differing temperatures and loads, and can pinpoint when and at what temperature significant thermal events occur.
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
TGA measures a material's thermophysical and thermochemical properties by measuring the change in specimen mass as a function of temperature and time.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
DSC is a reliable and cost-effective method for measuring Tg, phase transitions, degree of cure, degree of crystallinity, and more.