2.6 Dynamic mechanical analysis

Introduction

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), also known as forced oscillatory measurements and dynamic rheology, is a basic tool used to measure the viscoelastic properties of materials (particularly polymers). To do so, DMA instrument applies an oscillating force to a material and measures its response; from such experiments, the viscosity (the tendency to flow) and stiffness of the sample can be calculated. These viscoelastic properties can be related to temperature, time, or frequency. As a result, DMA can also provide information on the transitions of materials and characterize bulk properties that are important to material performance. DMA can be applied to determine the glass transition of polymers or the response of a material to application and removal of a load, as a few common examples. The usefulness of DMA comes from its ability to mimic operating conditions of the material, which allows researchers to predict how the material will perform.

A brief history

Oscillatory experiments have appeared in published literature since the early 1900s and began with rudimentary experimental setups to analyze the deformation of metals. In an initial study, the material in question was hung from a support, and torsional strain was applied using a turntable. Early instruments of the 1950s from manufacturers Weissenberg and Rheovibron exclusively measured torsional stress, where force is applied in a twisting motion.

Due to its usefulness in determining polymer molecular structure and stiffness, DMA became more popular in parallel with the increasing research on polymers. The method became integral in the analysis of polymer properties by 1961. In 1966, the revolutionary torsional braid analysis was developed; because this technique used a fine glass substrate imbued with the material of analysis, scientists were no longer limited to materials that could provide their own support. Using torsional braid analysis, the transition temperatures of polymers could be determined through temperature programming. Within two decades, commercial instruments became more accessible, and the technique became less specialized. In the early 1980s, one of the first DMAs using axial geometries (linear rather than torsional force) was introduced.

Since the 1980s, DMA has become much more user-friendly, faster, and less costly due to competition between vendors. Additionally, the developments in computer technology have allowed easier and more efficient data processing. Today, DMA is offered by most vendors, and the modern instrument is detailed in the Instrumentation section.

Basic principles of dma

DMA is based on two important concepts of stress and strain. Stress (σ) provides a measure of force ( F ) applied to area ( A ), [link] .

Stress to a material causes strain (γ), the deformation of the sample. Strain can be calculated by dividing the change in sample dimensions (∆ Y ) by the sample’s original dimensions ( Y ) ( Eq. 2 ). This value is often given as a percentage of strain.