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Dynamomechanical analysis

DMA

Dynamomechanical analysis (DMA) it is used to measure the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of materials according to temperature, time and frequency when they are subjected to periodic stress.

Job request

In order to request the analysis of samples by DMA, you must contact the staff responsible for the equipment.

The toxicity and storage precautions of the samples must be reported.If unclaimed, surplus samples will be destroyed within one week of delivery of results.

The equipment

METTLER TOLEDO DMA/SDTA861e

Year :
2008



Temperature:
  • Range: -150 ºC to 500 ºC
  • Technical resolution: 0.003 K
  • Accuracy: 0.5 K

 


 Frequency:
  • Range: 0.001 Hz to 300 Hz
  • Technical resolution: 0.000001
  • Accuracy (Δf): 0.0001


Modes of measurement:
  • Three-point flexion
  • Dual cantilever
  • Single cantilever
  • Tension

How does it work?

Certain materials, such as polymers, show a combination of elastic and viscous behaviour when deformed.These materials are called viscoelastics and can be studied through the DMA.

In DMA, a dynamic force (in the form of a sinusoidal oscillation) is applied to a test tube of known dimensions and the deformation caused on it is measured.In DMA, a dynamic force (in the form of a sinusoidal oscillation) is applied to a test tube of known dimensions and the deformation caused on it is measured.In the case of a viscoelastic material, the offset angle will be between 0º and 90º.

In the DMA instrument, the sample tube is fixed using a specific tool depending on the type of mechanical test to be performed (bending, traction or cutting).The assembly is placed in an oven with precise temperature control.

The ratio between elastic behaviour/viscous behaviour of the material depends on two parameters: the temperature at which the sample is located and the frequency at which the oscillating force is applied.This is why the analysis program can be carried out in two ways: establishing a constant frequency and carrying out a sweep of temperatures or setting a temperature and varying the frequency to which the force is applied.

Applications / Practical cases

The following list contains some of the properties that can be studied using Dynamomechanical Analysis:

  • Viscoelastic behaviour
  • Vitreous transition
  • Mechanical module
  • Damping capacity
  • Viscous flow
  • Freezing
  • Changes in the morphology
  • Curing reactions
  • Crystallisation and fusion
  • Phase separation
  • Composition of mixtures

Applications

The most important areas of application include:

  •  Thermoplastics
  • Thermostables
  • Elastomers
  • Adhesives
  • Paints and lacquers
  •  Films and fibres
  • Composites
  • Pharmaceutical products 
  • Greases and oils 
  • Ceramic materials
  • Materials for construction 
  • Metals

More information:

Pdf file of the technique

The acquisition of this equipment has been co-financed by the Agency for the Management of University and Research Grants (AGAUR) of the Generalitat de Catalunya through the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).

AGAUR University and Research Grant Management Agency GENCAT, European Union European Regional Development Fund A way to make Europe

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