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 samples under negligible load (DIN 51045).

Instruments for thermomechanical analysis are applied all the way from research and development to quality control. Typical domains include plastics and elastomers, thermosets, composite materials, adhesives, films and fibers, ceramics, glass and metals.

TMA Analysis Results

• Linear thermal expansion
• Coefficient of thermal expansion
• Phase transition temperatures
• Sintering temperatures
• Shrinkage steps
• Glass transition temperatures
• Dilatometric softening points
• Volumetric expansion
• Density changes
• Delamination
• Decomposition temperature
• Sintering kinetics