The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) has a polymer testing lab that can conduct thermal analysis of polymers used in a range of applications. Polymers are a popular manufacturing material and for good reason. They’re incredibly versatile, lightweight, strong, and cost-effective to manufacture. However, analysis is needed for manufacturers to determine what types of polymers are viable options for specific environments and applications. Our laboratory helps clients gain critical insight into the properties and thermal transitions of their polymers.
Understanding the Different Polymer Thermal Analysis Methods
Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) characterizes a material’s thermal properties and measures the amount of heat lost or gained by a material during the cooling or heating process. This allows experts to determine numerous key properties of polymers, including melting temperature, glass transition temperature, and heat capacity.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) allows experts to evaluate a polymer’s behavior under specific dynamic conditions. It determines the polymer’s glass transition temperature, or the temperature at which a polymer transitions from a hard state to a soft state.
Finite Element Analysis
Finite element analysis, or FEA, is a computerized process that simulates how polymers respond to mechanical loads, vibrations, and temperature change. Polymers have temperature-dependent properties, so thermal analysis via FEA can be an effective way of determining a material’s thermal degradation, viscoelastic behavior, and creep.
Thermogravimetric Analysis
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures a polymeric material’s mass as a function of temperature and time. TGA offers critical insight into a material’s composition and thermal stability.
About Our Polymer Testing Lab
Our polymer testing laboratory offers precise and accredited thermal analysis services, providing our clients with the information necessary to understand how their polymers respond to real-world conditions. We use various industry-standard metrologies to acquire key information about polymers, including the following:
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry
- Finite Element Analysis
- Thermogravimetric Analysis
The information obtained from our services helps our clients do the following:
- Optimize material selection strategies.
- Improve quality control processes.
- Predict the long-term performance of polymers.
- Comply with industry standards and regulations.
Contact Us
Submit a web request form or call +1 (888)-287-5227 for detailed insights into your polymer’s stability, aging characteristics, and real‑world performance.
