Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)

Thermomechanical Analysis, or TMA, is a method used to determine the thermal properties of polymeric materials. Using minimal force at a range of temperatures, TMA can be used to find a variety of thermal and mechanical properties, including thermal expansion.

In most cases, TMA uses linear coefficient of thermal expansion to detect changes in material properties and structure. A small sample of polymeric material is heated on a quartz platform, and a rod applies a small amount of pressure. As the samples gets warmer, the material expands and the rod changes positions. Data is reported as a function of dimensional change of the material over temperature, and significant milestones are recorded.

Thermomechanical analysis is used for a variety of applications, including investigative chemistry, research and development, and material classification. In addition to a material’s coefficient of thermal expansion, TMA indicates glass transition temperature, changes in crystalline phases, melting temperature, and other characteristics. While TMA can be performed on virtually any polymeric material, it is most effective on samples with a high coefficient of thermal expansion.

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