Analysis by DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) in the laboratory
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a laboratory analysis that measures the viscoelastic behaviour of a material as a function of temperature, frequency and applied stress. Identify and solve problems of fatigue, deformation and stability under dynamic stress. Rely on our expert thermal analysis laboratory for accurate diagnostics and solutions tailored to your industrial challenges.
As a manufacturer, would you like to carry out a DMA analysis of your materials?
What is DMA analysis?
DMA analysis is a technique used to characterise the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of materials, particularly polymers, as a function of temperature, frequency and amplitude of deformation.
With this technique, the sample is subjected to periodic stress using different deformation modes (tension, shear, compression). The modulus is then measured as a function of temperature or time. This provides valuable information about the phase transitions of materials.
What is DMTA analysis?
DMTA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis) is an extension of DMA, focusing on the impact of temperature on the dynamic mechanical properties of materials. It identifies thermal transitions, such as the glass transition, by varying the temperature in a controlled manner.
Advantages of DMA analysis
DMA analysis
Enables the viscoelastic properties of materials to be characterised, including storage (E′E'E′) and loss (E′′E‘’E′′) moduli, as well as the loss factor (tan(δ)tan(δ)).
Detects phase transitions (such as the glass transition) and structural changes as a function of temperature or frequency.
Accurate for assessing mechanical properties under dynamic conditions, such as stiffness, strength and damping.
Useful for comparing the performance of materials under different conditions (temperature, frequency, humidity).
A non-destructive technique for assessing the performance of materials without damaging them.
When should the DMA technique be used in the laboratory?
To study polymer materials, composites and elastomers subjected to mechanical and thermal stress.
To analyse the effects of thermal or mechanical ageing on materials.
When researching and developing new materials to assess their mechanical behaviour under different conditions of use
When it is necessary to measure mechanical strength and viscoelastic properties as a function of temperature or frequency.
To understand the performance of materials in applications involving vibration, thermal cycling or repeated stress.
The FILAB laboratory can help you with DMA analysis
Our dynamic mechanical analysis services
As part of a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the FILAB laboratory can carry out the following analysis:
To assess the stiffness and viscoelasticity of materials under dynamic deformation.
Essential for understanding the phase changes and performance of polymers at different temperatures.
To observe the mechanical response of materials under different strain rates, useful for applications subject to varying dynamic stresses.
To assess the material's ability to dissipate internal stresses over time.
To identify the transition point between elastic and viscous behaviour, for the design of damping materials.
Why carry out a dynamic mechanical analysis?
Dynamic mechanical analysis(dma) provides a detailed understanding of the mechanical properties of materials and changes in structure, such as fracture toughness, elasticity and response to shock and vibration, as a function of temperature, frequency and strain rate.
These measurements are important for many applications in fields such as aerospace and automotive, where strength and durability are essential.
The results can be used to design better performing, stronger materials for specific applications.
Our dynamic mechanical analysis services
As part of a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), the FILAB laboratory can carry out the following analysis:
To assess the rigidity and viscoelasticity of materials under dynamic deformation.
Essential for understanding the phase changes and performance of polymers at different temperatures.
To observe the mechanical response of materials at different strain rates, useful for applications subject to a wide range of dynamic stresses.
To assess the material's ability to dissipate internal stresses over time.
To predict the lifetime of materials under repeated load cycles.
To identify the transition point between elastic and viscous behaviour, for the design of damping materials.
Materials covered by dynamic mechanical analysis
The materials subjected to dynamic mechanical analysis include polymers, in particular :
Thermoplastic polymers: Used in packaging, automotive components and electronic devices, where performance under stress and temperature is critical.
Polymer matrix composites: Used in the aerospace and automotive industries, where strength and lightness are essential for structural parts.
Elastomeric rubbers: Used in seals, tyres and anti-vibration components, where durability and fatigue resistance are important.
Thermosetting polymers: such as epoxy resins, used in adhesives, coatings and construction materials.
Polymer films: Used in flexible packaging and medical devices, where flexibility and mechanical strength at different temperatures are important.
Fibre-reinforced composites: Used in sports equipment and marine structures, where resistance to impact and wear is essential.
Solid pharmaceutical materials: Used in tablets and capsules, where mechanical stability under different storage conditions is assessed.
Polymers for medical devices: Used in implants and prostheses, where viscoelastic behaviour influences performance and biocompatibility.
Viscoelastic analysis and relaxation spectrum
DMA analysis allows industries to characterize viscoelastic materials by measuring the storage (E′E’E′) and loss (E′′E‘’E′′) moduli, as well as the loss factor. This technique helps to assess the ability of a material to absorb and dissipate mechanical energy under stress, thus ensuring mechanical performance under different operating conditions.
The relaxation spectrum, obtained via DMA, can be used to visualise the relaxation times of materials. It helps to identify thermal transitions (such as the glass transition) and energy dissipation mechanisms as a function of temperature or frequency, thereby optimising the choice of materials for specific industrial applications.
Our polymer services
Complex Coulomb modules
Experimental conditions for laboratory DMA analysis
Dynamic mechanical analysis in the laboratory requires certain experimental conditions to guarantee the reliability of the results obtained.
Factors such as test frequency, applied load, application speed and force, temperature and humidity must be carefully controlled to ensure that samples are subjected to the same conditions during all tests. This ensures that the effects of thermal expansion are minimised, and that the measurements are accurate and the results reproducible.
Using advanced simulation methods, we can accurately determine the behaviour of your products and materials in real-life situations. Thanks to this analysis, we are able to ensure that products withstand prolonged loads and operating conditions.
Standard ISO 6721 - DMA for plastics :
ISO 6721 defines the methods for determining the dynamic viscoelastic properties of plastic materials. It specifies procedures for measuring storage moduli, loss, loss factor and behaviour as a function of frequency and temperature.
This standard guarantees comparable and reliable results in the dynamic mechanical analysis of plastics, enabling manufacturers to validate the performance of materials in accordance with regulatory requirements and quality standards.
Other thermal or mechanical analysis services
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FAQ
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is a powerful and versatile technique for characterising the mechanical properties of materials. It measures how a material responds to an applied force in terms of elastic modulus, stiffness, strength, damping capacity, etc. It can be used to assess the behaviour of polymers, elastomers, composites, ceramics and metals under various conditions such as temperature and humidity. Dynamic mechanical analysis can provide important information about the performance characteristics of materials in different environments that cannot be obtained by other means.
Dynamic mechanical analysis is used in many sectors, including automotive, aerospace, biomedical, consumer product testing, construction materials and more. In automotive applications, the analysis is often used to assess the stiffness, strength and fatigue resistance of components such as engine mounts or suspension systems. Whatever the industry, DMA provides valuable information to help manufacturers ensure that their products meet the required safety standards.
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, allowing various properties such as stiffness and damping capacity to be measured. However, with thermomechanical analysis, the sample is subjected to an increase in temperature instead of an applied force. TMA can measure the thermal expansion of a material, which can be used to assess its overall behaviour under different environmental conditions.
DMA offers a number of advantages for the industrial sector, including the ability to characterise the mechanical properties of materials under real-life service conditions. It helps predict the performance of materials in specific applications, improves the development of new materials, and optimises manufacturing processes. In addition, DMA can detect changes in structure and composition, helping to identify defects and guarantee product quality.
DMA is applicable to a wide range of materials, including polymers, composites, metals, ceramics and biological materials. It is particularly useful for viscoelastic materials such as plastics and elastomers, but can also be used to study the mechanical properties of thin films, coatings and adhesives. The flexibility of DMA means that tests can be adapted to different sample shapes and sizes.
DMA results provide detailed information on the mechanical and thermal properties of materials, which is useful for product development. They can be used to select appropriate materials for specific applications,optimise materialformulations , andimprove manufacturing processes. In addition, by identifying thermal transitions and deformation behaviours, industries can design more durable, high-performance products that better meet market requirements.
What advantages does DMA offer for the study of polymers?
DMA analysis is essential for the study of polymers because it enables precise measurement of their viscoelastic properties, such as stiffness, energy dissipation capacity and glass transition.
It helps to understand how polymers behave under a variety of service conditions, which in turn enables the development of new materials and the optimisation of formulations. In addition, DMA can detect changes in structure and composition, helping to improve the performance and durability of polymer products.
"DMA Analyse Kunststoffe" translates into "DMA analyse des plastiques" in French. It refers to the use of Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to study the mechanical and thermal properties of plastic materials.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermal Mechanical Analysis (TMA) are two complementary techniques used to characterise the mechanical properties of materials.
DMA measures viscoelastic properties in response to an oscillating load, making it possible to determine storage and loss moduli, as well as the dissipation factor, which is particularly useful for polymers and composites.
In contrast, TMA focuses on dimensional changes in materials in response to temperature variations under constant load, measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and transition temperatures such as glass transition and melting.
While DMA excels at studying viscoelastic behaviour and phase transitions, TMA is ideal for analysing thermal expansion and thermal creep behaviour.
Storage modulus (G'): Measure of a material's ability to store elastic energy when deformed, indicating stiffness.
Example: In the polymer industry, the storage modulus is used to assess the stiffness of elastomers used in tyres.
Loss modulus (G''): Measure of a material's ability to dissipate energy in the form of heat, reflecting viscoelastic behaviour.
Example: In the manufacture of adhesive coatings, the loss modulus is analysed to determine resistance to flow at high temperatures.
Loss factor (tan δ ): Ratio between the loss modulus and the storage modulus, indicating the relationship between the viscous and elastic behaviour of a material.
Example: In the composites industry, the loss factor is measured to optimise the performance of materials subjected to vibration.
- Measurement of the glass transition temperature (Tg): Identifies the temperature at which the material changes from a rigid state to a more flexible state. Example: In food packaging, the glass transition temperature of plastic films is controlled to ensure good flexibility at different temperatures.
- Swept temperature analysis (TTS): Studies the mechanical properties of a material over a wide range of temperatures to observe phase transitions and changes in mechanical behaviour. Example: In the medical device industry, TTS analysis is used to assess the thermal stability of polymeric materials used in implants.
- Thermal stability assessment: Measures the degradation of mechanical properties as a function of temperature rise, which is critical for high-temperature applications.
- Monitoring of phase transitions (melting, recrystallisation): Analysis of changes in material structure as a function of temperature to optimise their use in thermally demanding environments.
- Strain rate dependence analysis: studies how materials behave when subjected to different strain rates, essential for industrial applications subject to rapid loading.
- Study of viscoelastic behaviour at different loading speeds: Helps to understand how materials dampen or transmit forces at different speeds, particularly for components subjected to impact or vibration.
- Stress relaxation as a function of strain rate: Measures the ability of a material to relax after being subjected to rapid deformation, useful in rapid forming processes such as injection moulding.
- Frequency dependence analysis: Explores the mechanical behaviour of materials under stress at different frequencies, for components subjected to vibrations or cyclic loads.
Example: In the automotive industry, this analysis is used to assess the strength of suspension components, which have to withstand vibrations at different frequencies while driving. - Loss factor analysis (tan δ): Identifies the damping properties of materials and their ability to dissipate vibration energy at various frequencies.
Example: In electronic equipment, loss factor analysis is essential for selecting materials that minimise vibration and interference at specific frequencies, such as in printed circuit boards and enclosures. - High-frequency dynamic fatigue assessment: Analyses the resistance of materials under high-frequency load cycles, important for predicting the fatigue life of parts subjected to constant vibration.
Example: In the aerospace industry, this analysis is used to assess the durability of composite parts exposed to high-frequency vibration, such as helicopter blades or jet engine components.
