Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is a powerful technique for understanding the viscoelastic properties of materials. It has become a powerful tool for chemists polymer and material scientists and engineers. Despite this it often remains underutilized in the modern laboratory. Because of its high sensitivity to the presence of the glass transition many users limit it to detecting glass transitions that can’t be seen by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This book presents a practical and straightforward approach to understanding how DMA works and what it measures. Starting with the concepts of stress and strain the text takes the reader through stress–strain creep and thermomechanical analysis. DMA is discussed as both the instrument and fixtures as well as the techniques for measuring both thermoplastic and thermosetting behavior. This edition offers expanded chapters on these areas as well as frequency scanning and other application areas. To help the reader grasp the material study questions have also been added. Endnotes have been expanded and updated. Features Reflects the latest DMA research and technical advances Includes case studies to demonstrate the use of DMA over a range of industrial problems Includes numerous references to help those with limited materials engineering background Demonstrates the power of DMA as a laboratory tool for analysis and testing