Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Brief Discussion On The Different Uses Of The Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer

By Ethel Harris


Manufacturing raw materials undergo characteristic analysis using the dynamic mechanical analyzer. The study of the traits of the samples are useful in determining the elastic and viscose properties of polymers used as raw material. In the study, the complex modulus of the sample is measured through the application of a curved strain and mensuration of the resulting strain that affects the material.

There are certain variations in the temperature of the sample and the ratio at which the stress is placed on the sample. Thus, there is also change in the resulting reading for the complex modulus. The data gathered from the experiment is used to determine the conditions that bring about the conversion temperature of the glass.

Different types of polymers have different transition temperatures. Above the temperatures, the material shows rubbery properties. Viscosity is increased as the glassy behavior of the polymer will drop dramatically. There is also a decrease in the storage modulus.

The dynamic instrument can be utilized to determine the composition of a particular sample. Monomers and different cross links that compose the polymer under examination have an effect on the readings. They can also determine and effect changes on the material being studied.

The mechanical analyzer method is also utilized to evaluate effectively the miscibility of the material. To gather sufficient information, readings on the transitions that result from the different blends are gathered. Characteristics are determined based on the significant readings. If there is a broad transition observed on the storage modulus, the sample is not entirely homogenous.

Currently, scientists use two different types of instruments. One is the forced resonance analyzer. The other one is the free resonance analyzer. The free resonance device is used to measure free oscillations. One limit of this device is it is applicable to use only on rods, rectangles, or woven samples. The forced resonance device is more common in the laboratory. It is also the more available type. Using this tool, oscillations are forced on the sample using a certain frequency. This is the method and instrument often used in obtaining a temperature sweep.

There are also stress and strain measurements that can be obtained using the two kinds of analyzers. Controlling the strain means using stress to obtain a reading. The readings result from the stress applied by carrying out a transducer of a force balance that results after the release of a series of shafts. This method is advantageous since it only takes a short sample response time even for low viscosity representatives. It can also be completed easily.

In the controlling of stress, force is still applied on the sample, but several conditions are varied. These conditions include the temperature of the sample, the frequency of the stress application, and the duration of the experiment. This process is less expensive because only one shaft is required. However, it is also hard to perform. An advantage of the stress control process is the sample is not likely to be destroyed after the process.

A torsional or axial mechanical analyzer can be used in the stress and strain experiment. Solids are analyzed using the axial instrument. On the other hand, liquids are analyzed using the torsional dynamic mechanical analyzer.




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