Thermomechanical analysis
Characterization of polymers by thermal analysis

Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) is a group of characterization methods used to measure dimensional variations in a sample under static stress. Variations in length or volume are recorded as a function of temperature, and the corresponding stress is either elongation or hydrostatic pressure.

Most commercial devices use a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) displacement measurement system, where variations in the induction of a coil are detected [18]. Elongation measurements can also be carried out by optical devices [19]. Calibration and connection elements are made with a low expansion coefficient element such as quartz ( α = 6 x 10^-7 K^-1) or...