If you want to learn more, please visit our website TNMA.
Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is a vertical dilatometry technique used to measure thermal expansion behavior and related properties (glass transition, crystal-crystal phase transition, sintering, softening, etc) of materials. It&#;s a powerful technique for materials science. TMA testing on polymers can shed light on processing conditions and use cases, as well as informing mechanical designs.
A scientist sets up a TMA test.
An advantage of TMA over other contact based thermal expansion techniques is that the vertical arrangement of the expansion measurement avoids errors due to sagging or bending of the apparatus, and it allows extremely low forces to be used &#; which gives better and more accurate measurements on soft and rubbery materials. And, unlike optical techniques, no expensive optical table or sound cancellation is required. For this reason, TMA is the method of choice for measuring thermal expansion of polymers and polymer composites.
Anisotropic behavior refers to behavior which has direction-dependent properties.
TMA can measure thermal expansion anisotropy directly and accurately in polymers and polymer composites. As many polymers and composites can be anisotropic because of their structure or manufacturing, the ability to measure the anisotropic thermal expansion behavior is critical to quality designs.
Polymers and composites are often melt-processed, like in 3D printing.
With the penetration attachments available on TMAs, the softening point under different loads can be quickly and easily measured on the same apparatus as used for thermal expansion. This can in turn give information about how to process the material.
Glass transition temperature is key to material performance in many industries, such as tires.
Are you interested in learning more about Tnma Measure? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
For thermoplastics, the glass transition temperature is key to the processing and use-cases of the material. Materials with low glass transition temperatures are rubbery and elastic at room temperature, making them useful for applications like sealants, rubber tires, balloons and anti-vibration pads. Using TMA, the glass transition temperature can be determined simultaneously with other properties of the material, like thermal expansion behavior.
Thermal history affects the mechanical behavior of polymers and composites. This means that by changing processing conditions, thermomechanical properties can be tuned.
Thermal history affects glass transition temperature, degree of crystallinity, and phase distribution. In other words, changing processing conditions &#; thus changing thermal history &#; can often change the properties of the end product. These effects are easily studied by TMA.
Many polymers go through several solid phase transitions &#; such as a cold crystallization, crystal phase transitions, or glass transition, before the polymer actually melts. TMA can observe these events by looking at the change in the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion.
Two options exist for getting TMA testing on your samples:
View TMA Brochure TMA Accessories Request a Quote
Thermo-mechanical Analysis (TMA) measures changes in the dimensions of a sample as a function of time, temperature, and force in a controlled atmosphere. TMA can measure Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), along with transitions such as the glass transition (Tg). It can provide information on the compatibility of materials, suitability of materials for special environments, mechanical properties, or physical characteristics of materials.
TA Instruments | Waters invites you to experience the world&#;s finest line of Thermomechanical Analyzers: The Discovery TMA 450 and TMA 450 EM. With the engineering excellence you depend upon combined with the innovation you expect, the Discovery line of TMAs will meet your needs and exceed your expectations. A non-contact, friction-free force motor and a wide-range, high-resolution measurement transducer provides the highest quality thermomechanical data required of the most challenging applications.
Featuring a set of low expansion quartz probes, the Discovery 450 is designed to measure an array of sample configurations from solids to films or fibers. For those researchers requiring straightforward thermomechanical data, to those demanding more sophisticated options such as temperature modulated or dynamic force capabilities (available in the 450 EM), to those looking for the best thermomechanical data under humidified conditions, the Discovery TMA series delivers accurate, reliable results.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Bell-Prover Gas Meter Test Bench. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.