Thermomechanical Analysis
For measuring both the thermal and the mechanical properties, a thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) is used.
Many materials undergo changes to their thermomechanical properties during heating or cooling. For example, phase changes, SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. 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.
Besides the linear thermal expansion and the coefficient of thermal expansion, TMA can also be used to study Phase TransitionsThe term phase transition (or phase change) is most commonly used to describe transitions between the solid, liquid and gaseous states.phase transition temperatures, SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering temperatures, shrinkage steps, Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transition temperatures, dilatometric softening points, Volumetric ExpansionThe volume of a gas, solid or liquid changes if the temperature, the pressure or the forces acting on that gas/solid/liquid change. In the case of thermal analysis, we are looking at temperature-dependent changes.volumetric expansion, DensityThe mass density is defined as the ratio between mass and volume. density changes, delamination and SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering kinetics.
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Accessories for TMA
A Wide Selection of Sample Holders Makes the TMA 512 Hyperion® Stand Out
Our TMA systems are ready for a wide range of applications. Depending on the task and sample geometry, holders for expansion, penetration, tension, or 3-point bending are available. Accessories made of fused silica cover temperatures up to 1100°C; alumina is used for higher ranges. Special containers enable the analysis of liquids, pastes, molten salts, and metals up to their Melting Temperatures and EnthalpiesThe enthalpy of fusion of a substance, also known as latent heat, is a measure of the energy input, typically heat, which is necessary to convert a substance from solid to liquid state. The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes state from solid (crystalline) to liquid (isotropic melt).melting point. Immersion swelling tests are also supported. Download our catalog to learn more:
Thermal Analysis Under Hydrogen
The new H₂Secure concept developed for NETZSCH thermal analyzers features a complete solution for conducting tests in environments with varying concentrations of hydrogen while providing utmost safety.
This concept enables safe experimentation in a 100%H2 environment or with lower concentrations ofH2 mixed with non-flammable gases such as nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar). It is certified by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV).
About the TMA Method
Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is a technique for determining the dimensional changes in solids, liquids or pasty materials as a function of temperature and/or time under a defined mechanical force (DIN 51005, ASTM E 831, ASTM D696, ASTM D3386, ISO 11359 – Parts 1 to 3). It is closely related to dilatometry, which determines the length change of specimens under negligible load (DIN 51045).
Many materials undergo changes to their thermomechanical properties when heated or cooled. Phase changes, SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering steps or softening, for example, can occur in addition to thermal expansion. TMA measurements can be performed in different modes, e.g., deformation, compression, penetration, tension or bending.
Thermal Expansion
Linear thermal expansion shows how much a material will shrink or expand during processing, whether dissimilar materials can be joined, where the phase change occurs, and where the Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE/CTE)The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) describes the length change of a material as a function of the temperature.CTE changes.
This figure shows the thermal expansion of an NR50 elastomer specimen, between -100°C and 0°C. The Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined to be -66°C. This marks the reversible transition from a hard, relatively brittle state to a softer, rubber-like state.
TMA – THE METHOD PRECISELY DETERMINES DIMENSIONAL CHANGES
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Irrespective of the type of deformation selected (expansion, compression, penetration, tension or bending), every length change in the specimen is communicated to a highly sensitive inductive displacement transducer (LVDT) via a pushrod and transformed into a digital signal. The pushrod and corresponding fused silica sample holders can be quickly and easily exchanged in order to optimize the system for the respective application.
Your Benefits
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What Makes the NETZSCH TMA 512 Instruments Unique?
- Ultra-precise detection with LVDT sensors: Their vertical design and highly sensitive LVDT transducers deliver digital resolution down to 0.125 nm. This enables the analysis of delicate samples, such as films and fibers, without gravity-induced bending.
- Digitally controlled force range: Choose from two force options – 0.001 N to 3 N (Select model) or up to 4 N (Supreme model) – for compression, CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.creep, penetration, tension, and flexural loading tests.
- Tailored for future applications: The NETZSCH TMA 512 supports immersion swelling, molten salt, and metal melt measurements using dedicated containers (e.g., graphite piston containers and liquid-holding assemblies) designed for challenging material testing up to the Melting Temperatures and EnthalpiesThe enthalpy of fusion of a substance, also known as latent heat, is a measure of the energy input, typically heat, which is necessary to convert a substance from solid to liquid state. The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes state from solid (crystalline) to liquid (isotropic melt).melting point.
- Modular furnace system with wide temperature and atmosphere coverage.
- Select model: -70°C to 1500°C (optionally 1600°C).
- Supreme model: -150°C to 1600°C with five interchangeable furnace types and double furnace option
- Supported atmospheres include inert, oxidizing, reducing, vacuum, humidity, water vapor, and even 100% hydrogen
- Proteus® Software with AutoEvaluation:NETZSCH’s analysis software includes AutoEvaluation, which automatically detects and evaluates events such as Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transitions, SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. sintering onsets, or shrinkage steps, streamlining workflows and reducing analysis time.
- Proven Excellence & Unlimited Warranty: Decades of experience in thermal analysis and a strong reputation for innovation and quality attest to the reliability of NETZSCH analysis instruments. To emphasize the long-term availability of our services, we offer an unlimited warranty for the TMA 512 instrument series.
Our Quality Promise:
NETZSCH’s Unlimited Warranty
At NETZSCH, our commitment to quality goes beyond the instruments themselves. We understand that your investment in advanced technology is a long-term one, and and that’s why we offer something truly unique – our Unlimited Warranty.
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TMA Application Fields
The application range of instruments for thermomechanical analysis extends from quality control to research and development. The materials analyzed are typically in the fields of plastics and elastomers, thermosets, composite materials, adhesives, films, and fibers. However, ceramics, glass, and metals may also be investigated by means of TMA.
Polymers
- Determination ofTg (Glass Transition TemperatureThe glass transition is one of the most important properties of amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, e.g., inorganic glasses, amorphous metals, polymers, pharmaceuticals and food ingredients, etc., and describes the temperature region where the mechanical properties of the materials change from hard and brittle to more soft, deformable or rubbery.glass transition temperature) to define the maximum service temperature
- Analysis of CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.creep and RelaxationWhen a constant strain is applied to a rubber compound, the force necessary to maintain that strain is not constant but decreases with time; this behavior is known as stress relaxation. The process responsible for stress relaxation can be physical or chemical, and under normal conditions, both will occur at the same time. relaxation to prevent part deformation
Adhesives & Resins
- Measurement of shrinkage during Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing to avoid cracking
- Tg and StressStress is defined as a level of force applied on a sample with a well-defined cross section. (Stress = force/area). Samples having a circular or rectangular cross section can be compressed or stretched. Elastic materials like rubber can be stretched up to 5 to 10 times their original length.stress RelaxationWhen a constant strain is applied to a rubber compound, the force necessary to maintain that strain is not constant but decreases with time; this behavior is known as stress relaxation. The process responsible for stress relaxation can be physical or chemical, and under normal conditions, both will occur at the same time. relaxation to assess long-term dimensional stability
Packaging
- Softening point to optimize thermoforming processes
- CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.Creep behavior to ensure stacking stability during storage
Composites
- Shrinkage andTg analysis to ensure dimensional accuracy
- Monitoring StressStress is defined as a level of force applied on a sample with a well-defined cross section. (Stress = force/area). Samples having a circular or rectangular cross section can be compressed or stretched. Elastic materials like rubber can be stretched up to 5 to 10 times their original length.stress buildup during Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing to prevent delamination
Electronics
- Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE/CTE)The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) describes the length change of a material as a function of the temperature.CTE measurement to match thermal behavior of components
- StressStress is defined as a level of force applied on a sample with a well-defined cross section. (Stress = force/area). Samples having a circular or rectangular cross section can be compressed or stretched. Elastic materials like rubber can be stretched up to 5 to 10 times their original length.Stress RelaxationWhen a constant strain is applied to a rubber compound, the force necessary to maintain that strain is not constant but decreases with time; this behavior is known as stress relaxation. The process responsible for stress relaxation can be physical or chemical, and under normal conditions, both will occur at the same time. relaxation to avoid microcracks and failures
Medical Devices
- CreepCreep describes a time and temperature dependent plastic deformation under a constant force. When a constant force is applied to a rubber compound, the initial deformation obtained due to the application of the force is not fixed. The deformation will increase with time.Creep and recovery behavior to assess material fatigue
- Tg for selecting materials suitable for use in the body
3D Printing & Sintering
- SinteringSintering is a production process for forming a mechanically strong body out of a ceramic or metallic powder. Sintering onset and compaction behavior for process optimization
- Flow onset to evaluate printability of thermoplastic powders
Seals & Foams
- Compression and recovery behavior for long-term sealing performance
- RelaxationWhen a constant strain is applied to a rubber compound, the force necessary to maintain that strain is not constant but decreases with time; this behavior is known as stress relaxation. The process responsible for stress relaxation can be physical or chemical, and under normal conditions, both will occur at the same time. Relaxation testing to predict sealing loss over time
Coatings & Paints
- Penetration depth to assess layer hardness and resistance
- StressStress is defined as a level of force applied on a sample with a well-defined cross section. (Stress = force/area). Samples having a circular or rectangular cross section can be compressed or stretched. Elastic materials like rubber can be stretched up to 5 to 10 times their original length.Stress buildup during Curing (Crosslinking Reactions)Literally translated, the term “crosslinking“ means “cross networking”. In the chemical context, it is used for reactions in which molecules are linked together by introducing covalent bonds and forming three-dimensional networks.curing to prevent cracks in the coating film
Media and Training
Brochures and Datasheets
TMA 512 Hyperion® SeriesBrochure
Thermomechanical Analysis - TMA 402 F1 /F3 Hyperion®Brochure
Accessories for Dilatometers and Thermomechanical AnalyzersAccessories Catalogue
TMA 512 Hyperion® SeriesTechnical Data Sheet
Thermal and Rheological Characterization of PolymersBrochure
Investigation of Pharmaceuticals, Foods, Cosmetics and OrganicsBrochure
Advanced Materials TestingBrochure
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