DMA analysis laboratory

As an industrialist, you want to conduct DMA analysis of your materials?

What is DMA analysis?

DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis), also called DMTA for Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis  is a technique used to study the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of materials as a function of temperature, frequency, and deformation amplitude.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis is a commonly used method to measure the mechanical properties of materials. This technique allows for the characterization of viscoelastic properties, which are closely related to the mechanical performance of materials.

With this material characterization technique, the sample is subjected to periodic stress in different modes of deformation (tension, shear, compression). Subsequently, the modulus is measured as a function of temperature or time. This provides valuable information about the phase transitions of materials.

What properties are measured during DMTA test ?

DMA test allows for the determination of the following properties:

  • The complex moduli of Young and Coulomb
  • Viscosity
  • Damping factor
  • Glass transition temperature (Tg)

DMA or DMTA has the advantage of being more sensitive than other thermal analysis techniques for certain properties, particularly composites.

Through dynamic mechanical analysis, it is possible to gain a detailed understanding of the mechanical properties of materials, such as their resistance to breakage, elasticity, and response to shocks and vibrations. These measurements are important for many applications in fields such as aerospace and automotive, where strength and durability are essential.

Materials subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis

Materials analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis include, but are not limited to, polymers, composites, rubber, pharmaceuticals ….

The results of this analysis help understand the structural changes and mechanical properties of materials as a function of temperature, frequency, and deformation rate. The precise results obtained through this technique allow for the design of more efficient and resistant materials for specific applications.

FILAB laboratory supports you in DMA analysis

The advantages of DMA analysis performed in a laboratory

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is an advanced analytical method that evaluates the mechanical properties of a material in relation to variables such as temperature and other stresses.

The advantages of dynamic mechanical analysis are numerous: it optimizes product design, predicts lifespan, ensures the safety of structures, and avoids unnecessary maintenance and repair costs.

In summary, dynamic mechanical analysis is an essential step in the design and production of durable and reliable materials.

Experimental Conditions for DMA Analysis in a Laboratory

Dynamic mechanical analysis in a laboratory requires certain experimental conditions to ensure the reliability of the obtained results.

Factors such as test frequency, applied load, speed and force of application, temperature, and humidity must be carefully controlled to ensure that samples are subjected to the same conditions during all tests. This rigor minimizes the effects of thermal expansion, ensuring measurement accuracy and reproducibility of results.

By using advanced simulation methods, we can accurately determine the behavior of your products and materials in real-world situations. Through this analysis, we can ensure that products withstand prolonged loads and operating conditions.

Through our three levels of services: analysis, expertise and R&D support, FILAB assists companies in all sectors with their DMA analysis needs. 

FILAB provides its clients with the know-how and experience of its team, as well as an analytical park equipped with state-of-the-art thermal analysis equipment.

The positive aspects of FILAB

  • A highly qualified team

  • Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests

  • A complete analytical park of 2100m²

  • Tailor-made support

L'analyse mécanique dynamique (analyse DMA) est une technique puissante et polyvalente pour caractériser les propriétés mécaniques des matériaux. Elle mesure la façon dont un matériau répond à une force appliquée en termes de module élastique, de rigidité, de résistance, de capacité d'amortissement ... Elle peut être utilisée pour évaluer le comportement des polymères, des élastomères, des composites, des céramiques et des métaux dans diverses conditions telles que la température et l'humidité. L'analyse mécanique dynamique peut fournir des informations importantes sur les caractéristiques de performance des matériaux dans différents environnements qui ne peuvent être obtenues par d'autres moyens.

L'analyse mécanique dynamique et l'analyse thermomécanique sont utilisées dans de nombreux secteurs, notamment l'automobile, l'aérospatiale, le biomédical, les tests de produits de consommation, les matériaux de construction, etc. Dans les applications automobiles, l'analyse est souvent utilisée pour évaluer la rigidité, la force et la résistance à la fatigue de composants tels que les supports de moteur ou les systèmes de suspension. L'analyse thermomécanique (TMA) peut être utilisée dans les applications biomédicales pour déterminer l'expansion de divers polymères utilisés dans les systèmes d'administration de médicaments. Elle est également couramment utilisée dans les tests de produits de consommation, où elle peut aider à déterminer comment les produits se comportent à différentes températures et à différents niveaux d'humidité. Quelle que soit l'industrie, la DMA et la TMA fournissent des informations précieuses qui permettent aux fabricants de s'assurer que leurs produits répondent aux normes de sécurité requises.

The main difference between DMA and TMA (thermo-mechanical analysis) is that the former measures mechanical properties while the latter measures thermal expansion. Both techniques require a sample to be subjected to an external force, which allows for the measurement of various properties such as stiffness and damping capacity. However, with thermomechanical analysis, the sample is subjected to a temperature increase instead of an applied force. TMA can measure the thermal expansion of a material, which can be used to assess its overall behavior under different environmental conditions.

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) are two complementary techniques used to characterize the mechanical properties of materials.

 

DMA measures viscoelastic properties in response to oscillatory stress, allowing the determination of storage and loss moduli, as well as the dissipation factor, which is particularly useful for polymers and composites.

On the other hand, TMA focuses on the dimensional changes of materials in response to temperature variations under a constant load, measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and transition temperatures such as glass transition and melting.

While DMA excels in studying viscoelastic behaviors and phase transitions, TMA is ideal for analyzing thermal expansions and thermal creep behaviors.

Caroline KURZAWA
Caroline KURZAWA R&D Project Engineer
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