Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)

Many materials undergo changes of their thermomechanical properties during heating or cooling. For example, phase changes, sintering steps or softening can occur in addition to thermal expansion. TMA analyses can hereby provide valuable insight into the composition, structure, production conditions or application possibilities for various materials. The application range of instruments for thermomechanical analysis extends from quality control to research and development. Typical domains include plastics and elastomers, paints and dyes, adhesives, films and fibers, ceramics, glass, metals, and composite materials.

Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) determines dimensional changes of solids, liquids or pasty materials as a function of temperature and/or time under a defined mechanical force (DIN 51 005, ASTM E831, ASTM D696, ASTM D3386, ISO 11359 – Parts 1 to 3). It is closely related to Dilatometry (vertical dilatometer), which determines the length change of samples under negligible load (e.g. DIN 51 045).




TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion®

TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion®

This technology has stood the test of time; it is also used for dilatometers and allows measurement of even the smallest of length changes, into the nanometer range (digital resolution of 0.125 nm).

  • Simultaneous measurement of force and displacement signal
  • Vacuum-tight thermostatic measuring system
  • Precise force control
 

The heart of the TMA 402 Hyperion® is a highly precise inductive displacement transducer (LVDT). 

This technology has stood the test of time; it is also used for dilatometers and allows measurement of even the smallest of length changes, into the nanometer range (digital resolution of 0.125 nm).

Simultaneous measurement of force and displacement signal

The force operating on the sample is generated electromagnetically in the TMA 402 Hyperion®. This guarantees a quick response time for experiments with a changing load, e.g. tests on creep behavior. A highly sensitive force sensor (digital resolution < 0.01 mN) continuously measures the force exerted via the push rod and readjusts it automatically. This sets the TMA 402 Hyperion® apart from other instruments, which use only preset values.

Vacuum-tight thermostatic measuring system

The entire TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® measuring system is thermally stabilized via water-cooling. This ensures that the measurement will not be influenced by heat from the furnace or by temperature fluctuations in the local environment. All joints have a vacuum-tight design to allow measurements in a highly pure atmosphere or under vacuum. Pressures of less than 10-4 mbar can be achieved in the TMA 402 F1/F3 Hyperion® with the use of a turbo molecular pump. In combination with the integrated mass flow controllers (MFC) for purge and protective gases (optional in the TMA 402 F3 Hyperion®), measurements in highly pure inert gas or in oxidizing atmospheres can be optimally controlled

Precise force control

The electronic control system for the TMA 402 Hyperion® allows forces to be set in the mN-range. This enables testing even on sensitive materials such as thin fibers or films. The force operating on the sample can be altered via the software in a stepwise or linear fashion. This makes it particularly simple to carry out such analyses as creep or stress sweep tests. The premium version of the TMA 402 Hyperion®, the TMA 402 F1 Hyperion®, provides even more capabilities. From single pulse in rectangular or ramp form to continuous modulation with a freely selectable frequency (up to 1 Hz), every possibility is covered. This model is particularly well-suited for determining visco-elastic material properties such as elasticity and creep modulus.

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