Testing services / Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a mechanical testing method used to characterize material properties as a function of temperature, time, frequency, stress, and atmosphere, or a combination of these parameters.

DMA measures parameters for stiffness and damping. These are reported as moduli (stiffness) and loss tangent (damping). The moduli can be further divided into the storage modulus (E’) and loss modulus (E’’), which are the elastic and viscous components of the material, respectively. The ratio of loss modulus to storage modulus is a measure of the material's damping capacity.

DMA can be used to study the following properties:

Viscoelastic properties (E', E'', tan(δ))
Glass transition temperature (T_g)
Secondary transitions (β & γ)
Crystallization
Melting
Curing kinetics
Damping
Creep and stress relaxation
Mechanical properties (especially useful for small/complex samples)
Long-term behaviour with Time-Temperature Superposition

The most common deformation modes are tensile, bending (3-point and cantilever), compression, and shear.

The chosen deformation mode, conditions, and material properties selected for study will determine the difficulty and cost of the analysis.

More information about the method:

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)

Suitable sample matrices: Plastics, adhesive films, composites, metals, & ceramics.
Available quality systems: Accredited testing laboratory
Device types: DMA
Method expert: Ryan Johnsson

Polymers and plastics

Mechanical testing

Thermal testing

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info@measurlabs.com

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Other tests we offer

Linear thermal expansion of solids with a rod dilatometer

A dilatometer is used to determine the linear thermal expansion of a material as a function of temperature. The temperature range of the measurement is generally between 25 °C and 1,600 °C. There is also an option to perform the test in a cryogenic atmosphere, which ranges from -175 °C to 300 °C. The typical heating rate is 3 °C/min. As a result of the measurement, you will get the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the absolute change in sample length, both as a function of temperature. The testing can be performed in various atmospheres, including air, argon, CO₂, N₂, and O₂. Please contact us to get a quote. The price will depend on the testing conditions, so please specify them as precisely as possible.

Thermal characterization with DSC

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to determine transition temperatures and enthalpy changes of solid and liquid samples under controlled temperature changes. The analysis can be used to determine the melting, crystallization, and glass transition temperatures and their enthalpies, the material's amorphic and crystalline behavior, hardening and specific heat, material compatibility, and the effect of additives. The temperature range for the measurement is -170 °C to 600 °C, available atmospheres are N₂ and O₂. Please disclose the desired temperature program upon ordering: heating rate(s) (K/min), isotherms, and temperature ranges (min/max). If you have any doubts about these parameters, we are more than happy to help.

Tensile properties of rigid plastics by ISO 527-2

Tensile test for extrusion and injection molded plastics at room temperature. The test characterizes the tensile modulus, yield point, and point of break in accordance with the EN ISO 527-2 standard. The price includes the testing of five A1-type specimens (a sixth specimen is required as backup). Sample preparation is not included in the price, therefore samples should be delivered ready for the test. The standard test parameters are as follows: Clamping pressure: 3 bar, Test speed: 50 mm/min . Other parameters can be used upon request.

Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of plastics

Heat deflection temperature (HDT), also known as heat distortion temperature, describes the plastic's resistance to deformation by a given load at an elevated temperature. It can also give insight into the injection mouldability of the plastic. HDT is defined as the temperature where the sample specimen bends 0.25 mm under a given weight. It can be measured with either method A (1.80 MPa), B (0.45 MPa), or C (8.00 MPa) as per ISO 75. The load and specimen type are chosen according to the tested material. The test is always done as a duplicate.

Coefficient of friction of plastic films

The method measures the coefficients of starting and sliding friction of plastic films and sheeting when sliding over the same or another material. The testing procedure is based on the ISO 8295 standard. The measurement can be used for quality control of plastic film samples. Four replica measurements per sample are included in the displayed price.

Impact strength of plastics - Charpy and Izod methods

DIN 53435, EN ISO 180, ISO 179

The impact strength of rigid plastics can be measured with the Charpy and Izod methods. In these tests, a pendulum is used to break the sample specimen. 10 specimens are needed for both tests. This measurement covers impact testing with either Charpy (ISO 179) or Izod (ISO 180). Please specify the preferred method upon ordering. The most significant difference between the Charpy and Izod methods is the placement of the specimen. In the Izod test, it is placed vertically and the notch is on the pendulum's side, while the Charpy test specimen is horizontal and the notch is on the opposite side of the pendulum. Testing can also be performed without a notch. Sample preparation can be purchased separately.

Vicat softening point of plastics

The Vicat softening point is the temperature at which a flat-pointed needle penetrates the sample to a thickness of 1 mm when loaded with a 10 N or 50 N load. In the test, the sample is placed in an oil bath that is heated at a rate of 50 °C/h or 120 °C/h, and the needle is placed on the surface of the sample. The test gives you the temperature at which the needle has penetrated 1 mm deep into the sample. The test price includes the measurement of the Vicat softening point as a triplicate with method A50, A120, B50, or B120.

Rubber abrasion resistance by ISO 4649

In this abrasion resistance test, the volume loss that a test piece experiences when subjected to abrasive action is measured. A specified grade of abrasive sheet and a non-rotating test piece are used. The result can be reported as a relative volume loss or an abrasion resistance index. Rubber abrasion resistance testing is suitable for comparative testing, quality control, specification compliance testing, reference purposes, and research and development.

Oxidation induction time (OIT) measurement

The oxidation induction time (OIT) is a measure of a material's resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation. OIT testing is performed according to the ISO 11357-1 standard using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In the test, the sample is heated under a nitrogen atmosphere to the desired temperature, typically 100 °C to 200 °C. Oxygen is then introduced while the temperature is kept constant isothermally. The time until the material begins to degrade is recorded, and this is called the oxidation induction time. Testing is often used to assess the performance of antioxidants added to polymeric materials.

Hardness of plastics

EN ISO 868, ISO 2039-1

This test can be used to determine the hardness of plastics with the ball indentation (ISO 2039-1) or Shore hardness (ISO 868) method. Testing is performed at room temperature and includes three measurements per sample. Hardness data may be used for research, development, quality control, and acceptance or rejection of the material under selected specifications. Hardness is fundamentally an empirical attribute that is primarily used for control purposes, as there is no simple relationship between hardness values and fundamental material characteristics.

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