SEDL / STP / STP1249-EB / STP15366S

Assignment of Glass Transition Temperatures Using Thermomechanical Analysis

Earnest, CM
Berry College, Mount Berry, GA

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1994

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Abstract

The use of thermomechanical analysis (TMA) as a tool for assignment of glass transition temperatures, T^g, is discussed in this paper. An attempt to address the minimum requirements of TMA instrumentation necessary for T^g assignments is included. The subject of temperature calibration of the TMA instrument, which is a prerequisite for any temperature of transition assignment, is discussed. Methodology is offered for using the TMA nstrument in the expansion mode for T^g assignments. In addition, TMA methodology mploying a flat-tipped penetration probe for the assignment of the softening temperature, T^s, is also given here. For most amorphous materials, T^s is very close to the T^g value assigned by expansion TMA or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).