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Research Technical Services

Thermomechanical Analysis

TMA

L'Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) allow to measure the variations in the dimensions of a sample, depending on the temperature, when he undergoes a non oscillating load.

The measure can correspond so much to a dilatation if the load does not provoke a deformation of the sample, as a measure of the deformation because of the applied load, or to a variation of the dimensions provoked by the temperature and the load.

Job request

In order to request the analysis of samples for TMA, you have to get yourselves with the staff responsible for the team in touch.

It be necessary to inform of the toxicity and precautions of storage of the samples. If they do not come to search, the surpluses of sample will be destroyed in the deadline of a week from the delivery of results.

The equipment

SETARAM Setsys Evolution 16

Year:
2004



Rank of temperature:
room temperature until 1000ºC.
Two ranks of measure:
±0,2 mm and ±2 mm
Resolution of the inferior rank:
0.0004 μm.
Resolution of the superior rank:
0.004 μm.
Quite electromagnetic of the support:
150 g / -20 g.
Additional quite mechanical one of the support:
200 g.
Full size of the samples:
L = 20 mm (Ø10mm)

NETZSCH DIL 402 Expedis Select

Year:
2018
Rank of temperature:
Of -180 ºC in 500 ºC
Rank of measure:
±10 mm
Change resolution length:
0.001 μm
Rank of force:
Of 10 mN in 3 N
Resolution of force:
0.001 N
Full size of the samples:
L = 52 mm (Ø12mm)

How does it work?

In the technique of TMA, the sample positions in a support of quartz (low coefficient of thermal expansion), the sample feels at the same time in touch with a probe, also of quartz. Depending of the mode of mechanical essay (compression, flexion or traction) a suitable support and probe are used. The whole works in in an oven of programmable temperature.

When the programme of temperatures is executed, the sample experiments a change on its dimensions, either an expansion or a retraction. This change will provoke a displacement of the probe (both are in touch) that will be measured by a sensor LVDT.

In the graph resulting from the essay TMA the variation of the dimensions is obtained from the sample depending on the temperature.

The instruments of TMA allow to apply a controlled force in the sample through the probe. When it is not applied no force or the value of this is very low (only to ensure good contact with the sample), the essay is for obtaining the coefficient from thermal expansion (coefficient of dilatation) of the material. Quite applying about the sample studies can be carried out of creep-recovery.

Applications / Practical cases

This technique is particularly appropriate to measure variations in the dimensions of solids or powders.

The TMA is used for characterising polymers and compounds (softening, vitreous transition, degradation, crosslinking) subjected to different efforts.

Thermal behaviour of alloys is also used to study films and fibres, sintering of potteries, and, in a more general way, to measure the coefficient of dilatation.

More information:

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