TMA/SDTA840: the new TMA module with dta capability

摘要

Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) easily and rapidly measures sample displacement (growth, shrinkage, movement, etc.) as a function of temperature, time and applied force. Traditionally, TMA is used to characterize linear expansion and softening points of materials by applying a constant force to a specimen while varying temperature. For expansion measurements, a probe rests on a sample on a stage with minimal downward pressure. As the specimen heats, thermal expansion pushes the lightly loaded probe upward. Conversely, a probe with a large downward pressure measures the softening point of a specimen. As a material softens, the probe penetrates its surface. Other constant force experiments include measurement of shrinkage, swelling and creep (sample motion measured as a function of time under an applied load). Most modern TMA instruments can vary the force applied to a specimen, which creates new TMA experiments to measure material properties by changing either temperature, force, or both. A method called Dynamic Load TMA (DLTMA) rapidly measures material stiffness over wide temperature ranges.