By Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC)
TMA determines the dimensional changes of a sample as a function of temperature and applied force. This technique allows the study of the behavior of various materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, adhesives and coatings, films and fibers, metals, ceramics, and composites. Application areas include: plastics, coatings and adhesives, electronics industry, pharmaceuticals, or textile industry. The TMA technique can be used for the following determinations: - Coefficients of thermal expansion - Glass transition temperature (Tg) - Deformation behavior - Delamination - Softening point - Expansion and contraction behavior - Solid-solid transitions - Elastic behavior, swelling, and melting EQUIPMENT: TMA Analyzer TMA/SDTA (840, Mettler Toledo) Temperature range: Amb. T – 1100 ⁰C Force range: -0.1 to 1.0 N in 0.0013 N increments Gas: Nitrogen Quartz probes and sample holders: The sample holder and probe depend on the type of sample and the application. Different accessories allow measurements on solid samples, foams, films, and fibers. - Standard sample holder for samples up to 20 mm and round tip probe (3.0 mm) - Film clamping device - Fiber clamping device - Bending device
