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Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is a technique for determining the dimensional changes in solids, liquids or pasty materials as a function of temperature and/or time under a defined mechanical force (DIN 51005, ASTM E 831, ASTM D696, ASTM D3386, ISO 11359 – Parts 1 to 3). It is closely related to dilatometry, which determines the length change of samples under negligible load (DIN 51045).
Many materials undergo changes in their thermomechanical properties during heating or cooling. For example, phase changes, sintering steps or softening can occur in addition to thermal expansion. TMA analyses provide valuable insight into the compo- sition, structure, production conditions and application possibilities for various materials.
Instruments for thermomechanical analysis are applied all the way from research and development to quality control. Typical domains include plastics and elastomers, thermosets, composite materials, adhesives, films and fibers, ceramics, glass and metals.
EnquiryIrrespective of the type of deformation selected (expan- sion, compression, penetration, tension or bending), every length change in the sample is communicated to a highly sensitive inductive displace- ment transducer (LVDT) via a pushrod and transformed into a digital signal.
The pushrod and correspond- ing sample holders of fused silica or aluminum oxide can be quickly and easily changed out, in order tooptimize the system for the respective application.
The force operating on the sample is generated electromagnetically. This ensures a quick response time for experiments with a changing load. A highly sensitive force sensor (digital resolution < 0.01 mN, max. force ±4 N) continu- ously measures the force exerted via the pushrod and readjusts it automatically. This sets the NETZSCH TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® apart from other instruments which only use preset values.
The electronic control system allows users to set the force value in the mN-range. This enables testing even on sensitive materials such as thin fibers or films. For bigger geome- tries a force load up to 4 N can be applied using the premium TMA 402 F1 Hyperion®model. The force being exerted upon the sample can be altered via the software in a stepwise or linear fashion. This makes it especially simple to carry out tests such as creep.
The TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® now offers not only the ability to keep the force constant and to measure the length change, but also to change the dL displacement and measure the corresponding force. This can, for example, be used in a stress relaxation test where a sample is stretched by a specific amount at a defined temperature. During the test, the deformation is kept constant and the progression of the force is recorded. This force continuously decreases as a result of material relaxation. The stress-relaxation is ultimately defined by the residual stress measured after a defined exposure period. The data can be depicted graphically in a stress-time diagram. It is then possible to read off both the stress-relaxation behavior and the values for the relaxation rate and time.
The LVDT constitutes the center- piece of the NETZSCH TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion®. The technology behind it is tried-and-true: Even the slightest of length changes, into the nanometer range (digital resolution of 0.125 nm), can be measured and detected.
To adjust the instrument for various temperature ranges and varied atmospheres, all that needs to be done is to change the furnace. This can be carried out by the operator. Thanks to the double furnace hoist, switching to a second furnace only takes moments.
All joints are designed to be vacuum-tight, allowing for measurements in a highly pure atmosphere or under vacuum. Mass flow controllers (MFCs) allow the use for up to 4 different gases and provide optimum control for purge and protective gases (optional for TMA 402 F3 Hyperion®).
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