Dynamic mechanical analysis (TA INSTRUMENTS - Q800 DMA)
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is a technique used to measure the mechanical properties of viscoelastic samples. Many materials (e.g. polymers) have a viscoelastic behavior (both like an elastic solid and a viscous fluid).
From the phase difference (δ) between the applied sinusoidal strain (or stress) and the resultant sinusoidal strain (or stress), the device calculates the following parameters:
– storage modulus (E’), the elastic component related to the sample’s stiffness.
– loss modulus (E’’), the viscous component related to the sample’s ability to dissipate mechanical energy through molecular motion.
– tangent of phase difference (tan δ), a parameter that provides information on the relationship between the elastic and inelastic components.
Other tests could be carried out: creep, stress relaxation, multifrequency, multi stress, controlled Force/Strain Rate, isostrain.
Due to the nitrogen gas use, the Q800 DMA is able to analyze mechanical properties of a sample from -150°C to 600°C.
The available deformation modes are: dual/single cantilever, 3-Point bend, tension film/fiber, shear sandwich and compression.
