Thermomechanical analysis (TMA): study the stability and behavior of your materials at temperature
Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) measures the dimensional changes of a material subjected to a controlled temperature, with or without applied load. It is used to determine key parameters such as the coefficient of thermal expansion , the glass transition temperature (Tg) , the softening point , and creep . A reference method for characterizing polymer, composite, ceramic, and glass materials, TMA is widely used in R&D, quality control, and technical expertise in diverse sectors such as plastics, packaging, medical devices, and electronics.
What is thermomechanical analysis (TMA)?
Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) is a thermal analysis technique that measures the dimensional changes of a sample (length, thickness, volume) as a function of temperature, time, and applied load. The objective is to determine the mechanical response of a material to thermal stress .
This method allows for the highly accurate monitoring of phenomena such as:
- Linear thermal expansion
- The glass transition (Tg)
- Softening , creep , compression
- reactions delayed at temperature
TMA is a method that complements dilatometry, but with greater flexibility regarding the types of mechanical stresses .
How thermomechanical analysis works
The sample is placed in a thermostatic chamber, subjected to a temperature program (heating, cooling or isothermal rest) and to a mechanical load defined via a contact probe.
The available solicitation methods include:
- Free expansion : without constraint, to measure thermal expansion
- Compression : measurement of deformation under constant load
- Penetration : followed by softening or relative hardness
- Bending or shearing (for some modular devices)
The results are represented as deformation vs. temperature curves , which can be used to calculate:
- The coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE)
- The glass transition temperature (Tg)
- The softening or creep point
- Dimensional stability in hot or humid environments
Technical specifications of the TMA
- Measurement resolution : up to 0.1 µm
- Typical temperature range : -150 °C to +1000 °C
- Multiple modes of stress : expansion, compression, penetration
- Isothermal or thermal ramp tests
- Controlled atmospheres : air, nitrogen, argon, vacuum
- Various samples : bars, films, pellets, foams, polymers
- Applicable standards : ISO 11359, ASTM E831, ICH Q2(R1), REACH
For which matrices?
TMA is compatible with a wide variety of viscoelastic or rigid materials whose thermomechanical behavior we wish to evaluate:
Main industrial applications
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Léa Géréec
Technical and scientific expert
