THERMiques : Characterisation of polymers by thermal analysis
The purpose of this technical centre is to characterise thermal properties (thermal resistance, thermo-oxidation, loading rate) and the different thermal transitions (glass transition temperature, fusion, crystallization, reticulation) of thermoplastic, thermosetting and composite polymers.
Characterisations
Study of polymer thermal transitions
- Temperature measurement: glass transition, melting, crystallisation, etc.
- Thermosetting cross-linking reaction kinetics
- Polymer crystallisation kinetics
Thermal behaviour of polymers
- Ash content (mineral charges)
- Identification of degradation products
- Study of polymer oxidation
- Measurement of the expansion coefficient according to temperature
Exemple
Crystallisation progress curves at different cooling speeds of a thermoplastic composite
Equipments
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) up to 1,000°C in an inert (N2, He) or oxidising (air) atmosphere.
- Differential thermal analysis (DTA/DSC) from -150°C to 500°C in an inert (N2, He) or oxidising (air) atmosphere.
- Flash DSC analysis from -80°C to 400°C: ultra-fast cooling and heating speeds (6°C/min. to 2,400,000°C/min.) for the study of processes, such as polymer crystallization and reorganisation.
- TMA analysis: measurement of expansion coefficients, vitreous transition temperatures.
- Flash DSC
- Coupled equipment
TGA coupled with GC/MS
TGA coupled with IR spectroscopy
Contacts
Summary