SEDL / STP / STP1136-EB / STP23596S

Thermomechanical Analysis: Advances in the State of the Art

Sauerbrunn, SR
Technical support manager and project manager, TA Instruments, Inc., New Castle, DE

Gill, PS
Technical support manager and project manager, TA Instruments, Inc., New Castle, DE

Pages: 6    Published: Jan 1991

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Abstract

This presentation will describe the new DuPont 2940 thermomechanical analyzer (TMA). The 2940 TMA is a thermal analysis and mechanical characterization tool that measures the mechanical properties of a material as a function of time, temperature, and force. The instrument offers all of the traditional capabilities of TMA, but with total automation, increased sensitivity and enhanced force control. Specimen measurement and dimension change are controlled by a stepper motor and linear variable differential transformer (LVDT).

Focusing on higher performance polymer systems, this presentation will explore their thermomechanical properties. Application techniques easily managed by TMA include the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), glass transition T^g, and three-point flexural bending. The influence of thermal history and processing effects on these properties will be reported on specific polymers and composites.