Academic Matching Grant Program

The Academic Matching Grant program is designed to make TA Instruments’ high-performing equipment accessible for academic institutions. We value our academic customers who develop new materials, novel applications, publications, and most importantly, talented graduates that will fill future roles in industry. Explore all of our innovative technology below:

Thermal Analysis

TA Instruments will match up to 40% toward the purchase of thermal analysis modules

Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) measure temperature and heat flow associated with phase changes or chemical reactions in a material. They are commonly used for investigation, selection, comparison and end-use performance evaluation of materials. The Discovery DSC Series instruments provide enhancements in every aspect of DSC technology and a new level of user experience. Patented Tzero™ technology provides improvements in heat flow baseline flatness, transition resolution, and sensitivity and unique opportunity for the direct measurement of heat capacity. Modulated DSC® (MDSC®) comes standard on every DSC model and allows for easy interpretation of complex and overlapping transitions and increased sensitivity to detect weak transitions.

 

Temperature Range: -180°C to 550°C 

Detectable Information: Glass transitions, melting, crystallization, phase changes, heat capacity, cure kinetics, oxidative induction time, oxidative stability.

Standards
  • D3418 – Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • D3895 – Standard Test Method for Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • D4419 – Standard Test Method for Measurement of Transition Temperatures of Petroleum Waxes by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • D4591 – Standard Test Method for Determining Temperatures and Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • D5028 – Standard Test Method for Curing Properties of Pultrusion Resins by Thermal Analysis.
  • E2160 – Standard Test Method for Heat of Reaction of Thermally Reactive Materials by DSC.
  • E2716 – Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Sinusoidal Modulated Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • E793 – Standard Test Method for Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • E794 – Standard Test Method for Melting and Crystallization Temperatures By Thermal Analysis.
  • E1269 – Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • E1356 – Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperatures by Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
  • E1782 – Standard Test Method for Determining Vapor Pressure by Thermal Analysis.
Thermogravimetric Analyzers measures temperatures and weight changes associated transitions in a material. Common usage includes decomposition, volatilization, residue, material composition analysis, decomposition kinetics, thermal and oxidative stabilities. The Discovery TGA Series instruments were designed for high performance measurements, built to maximize temperature control and minimize drift. The proprietary Tru-Mass™ balance is thermally isolated with ultra-low drift and high sensitivity to accurately detect even the smallest weight changes. Superior atmosphere control ensures the most consistent, repeatable conditions, whether maintaining an inert atmosphere, switching to an oxidative purge, or maintaining a high vacuum.

 

Temperature Range: 30°C to 1200°C

Detectable Information: weight change temperature, weight change amount, decomposition kinetics, residue.

Standards

  • E1868 – Standard Test Method for Loss-On-Drying by Thermogravimetry.
  • E2008 – Standard Test Method for Volatility Rate by Thermogravimetry.
  • D6375 – Standard Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Oils by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Noack Method.
  • E1131 – Standard Test Method for Compositional Analysis by Thermogravimetry.
Simultaneous DSC/TGA measures temperatures and heat flows and weight changes associated transitions in a material. Common usage includes investigation, selection, comparison, and end-use performance evaluation of materials in research, quality control and production applications. The Discovery SDT 650 provides both novice and advanced users the highest confidence on generating the purest real-time simultaneous heat flow and weight data possible. A dual-beam thermobalance with integrated thermocouples provides direct sample, reference, and differential temperature measurements.

 

Temperature Range: 30°C to 1500°C

Detectable Information: Phase transitions, melting, crystallization, heat capacity, decomposition temperature, decomposition kinetics, volatilization, residue, thermal and oxidative stability.

Thermomechanical Analyzers (TMA) measure changes in the dimensions of a sample as a function of time, temperature, and force in a controlled atmosphere. Properties measured by TMA include the material’s coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE), shrinkage, softening, and glass transition temperatures. Modulated TMA (MTMA™) can be used for deconvolution of the Total dimension change signal into Reversing and Non-Reversing dimension change signals for separating expansion from contraction, shrinkage, and stress relaxation. The Discovery TMA 450 has a non-contact, friction-free motor that delivers forces from 0.001 N to 2 N on the widest range of samples. Its high performance displacement transducer directly measures dimensional change with resolution as low as 15 nm and is isolated from temperature drift, ensuring stable baseline performance and repeatability.

 

Temperature Range: -150°C to 1000°C 

Detectable Information: Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), sample expansion and contraction, softening points, glass transition temperatures, and delamination.

Standards

  • E2347 – Standard Test Method for Indentation Softening Temperature by TMA.
  • E831 – Standard Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis.
  • E1545 – Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperature by Thermomechanical Analysis.
  • E1824 – Standard Test Method for Assignment of a Glass Transition Temperature Using Thermomechanical Analysis Under Tension.
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis measures the mechanical properties of materials as a function of time, temperature, and frequency. In addition to basic material properties, DMA also quantifies finished part characteristics, reflecting the important contribution that processing has on end-use performance. DMA is commonly used to measure glass transition temperatures and secondary transitions, orientation caused by processing, cold crystallization and effect of crystallinity on mechanical properties, cure optimization, filler effects in composites, and much more. DMA provides an accurate measure of material strength (modulus) but also other important mechanical properties such as damping, creep, and stress relaxation.

 

The Discovery DMA 850 delivers the most accurate and reproducible measurement of mechanical properties over a wide temperature range. Its non-contact motor, frictionless air bearing supports, and wide range optical encoder provide unparalleled flexibility for small and large samples, materials that creep, expand, or contract during an experiment, and application of static or transient deformations. Quick, robust calibration routines are 80% faster than previous DMA technology, giving you more time to obtain valuable material insights.

 

Temperature Range: -150°C to 600°C 

Detectable Information: Glass transition temperature (Tg), secondary transitions, modulus, viscoelasticity (storage modulus, loss modulus, tan delta), creep and creep compliance, stress relaxation, shrinkage and shrinkage forces

Standards

  • D5023-07 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Three Point Bending
  • D5024-07 Dynamic Mechanical Properties in Compression
  • D5026-06 Dynamic Mechanical Properties in Tension
  • D5418 – 07 Dynamic Mechanical Properties: In Flexure (Dual Cantilever Beam)
  • D7028-07 Tg by DMA
  • E1640 Tg by DMA

Rheology

TA Instruments will match up to 50% toward the purchase of an HR Series Rheometer or give $30,000* towards an ARES-G2 Rotational Rheometer

The HR 20 is an exceptional multi-purpose rheometer that can handle everything from cutting-edge research and development laboratories to continuous deployment in production control environments. With optional linear Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and the widest range of easy-to-use accessories, the HR 20 is ready to handle any set of challenges, from complementing shear rheology to testing solids under tension, compression or bending.

 

Temperature Range: -150°C to 600°C

Detectable Information: viscosity, yield stress, thixotropy, curing, modulus (G’, G” G*), damping factor (tan delta), glass transitions, sub-ambient transitions, stress relaxation, creep-recovery

Standards

  • D4092-07 Std terminology for dynamic mechanical properties
  • D4440-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Melt Rheology
  • D4473-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Cure Behavior
  • D5279_torsion

The HR 30 is a premier research-grade rheometer for scientists looking to advance the boundaries of material science by exploiting its unparalleled measurement sensitivity and accuracy. With integrated linear Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, the HR 30’s two-in-one instrument capabilities empowers users to explore entirely new possibilities for mechanical testing.

Temperature Range: -150°C to 600°C

Detectable Information: viscosity, yield stress, thixotropy, curing, modulus (G’, G” G*), damping factor (tan delta), glass transitions, sub-ambient transitions, stress relaxation, creep-recovery

Standards

  • D4092-07 Std terminology for dynamic mechanical properties
  • D4440-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Melt Rheology
  • D4473-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Cure Behavior
  • D5279_torsion

rotational rheometer can perform flow measurements to test the viscosity of a liquid as a function of time, temperature shear rate or shear stress. Flow tests can also be used to measure the yield stress and thixotropic properties of a structured fluids.  The rheometer can also perform dynamic oscillatory measurements to measure the viscoelastic properties of a semi-solid or solid sample.  Typical oscillation tests are used to verify the linear viscoelastic region; monitor thermoset curing or sample stability; quantify differences in different formulations; measure polymer melts to compare differences in their molecular weight and molecular weight distribution; measure sample modulus and elasticity change as a function of time and temperature; measure glass transition (Tg) and sub-ambient transitions of polymers or polymer blends. In addition, a rotational rheometer can also perform transient type of measurements to study creep-recovery and stress relaxation.

The ARES-G2 is the most advanced rotational rheometer for research and material development. It remains the only commercially available rheometer with a dedicated actuator for deformation control, Torque Rebalance Transducer (TRT), and Force Rebalance Transducer (FRT) for independent shear stress and normal stress measurements. It is recognized by the rheological community as the industry standard to which all other rheometer measurements are compared for accuracy.

 

Temperature Range: -150°C to 600°C

Detectable Information: viscosity, yield stress, thixotropy, curing, modulus (G’, G” G*), damping factor (tan delta), glass transitions, sub-ambient transitions, stress relaxation, creep-recovery

Standards

  • D4092-07 Std terminology for dynamic mechanical properties
  • D4440-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Melt Rheology
  • D4473-08 Dynamic Mechanical Properties Cure Behavior
  • D5279_torsion

Microcalorimetry

TA Instruments will give $30,000* towards the purchase of an ITC or DSC Microcalorimeter

The Nano DSC provides the most repeatable, high resolution measurement for drug product formulation stability screening, drug loading and serotype determination of gene-based drug products, and manufacturing QC monitoring. The robust, solid state thermoelectric temperature control and platinum capillary cell provides the purest measurement, without requirement of fluorescent dyes, or requirement of baseline manipulation to increase confidence in the results and to speed up decision making.

 

Temperature Range: -10 °C to 130 °C
Automation: 96-well plate compatible

The Affinity ITC is designed to provide maximum a rapid and high resolution measurement of binding and stoichiometry of clinically relevant biomolecules. The robust, solid state thermoelectric heating and cooling systems precisely control temperature and true isothermal power compensation design provides the purest measurement of binding, free from non-native dyes and tags for the highest sensitivity and flexibility for an ultrasensitive ITC analyzing biological samples in-solution.

 

Affinity Range: low-mM, to low-pM
Automation: 96-well plate compatible

The Nano ITC Standard Volume and Nano ITC Low Volume isothermal titration calorimeters are designed to provide maximum sensitivity and flexibility for the study of biomolecular binding. Both instruments use solid state thermoelectric heating and cooling systems to precisely control temperature, and have the same flexible injection syringe assemblies for efficient and accurate delivery of titrant. The true isothermal power compensation design of the Nano ITC instruments provides the highest sensitivity and flexibility for an ultrasensitive ITC analyzing biological samples in-solution.

 

Temperature Range: 2 °C to 80 °C

Mechanical Testing

TA Instruments will match up to 40% toward the purchase of the High Force DMA 3200 or add $15,000* to the value of any grant for the purchase of an ElectroForce 3200, 3300, or Planar Biaxial System.

The DMA 3200 features patented ElectroForce linear motor technology enabling a single instrument to deliver unequalled performance and data accuracy. This unique motor technology combines powerful rare-earth magnets with a frictionless flexural suspension for the most precise force and displacement control over a wide range of frequencies and amplitudes. The DMA 3200 motor delivers a force output of up to 500 N and controlled displacements ranging from 1 micron to 13 mm. Testing can be conducted in both static and dynamic modes.

 

Maximum Force: 500 N

Detectable Information: Complex modulus, E*, storage and loss moduli (E’, & E”) and damping (tan δ) of viscoelastic materials, detect molecular motions, and develop structure-property relationships. Young’s Modulus and material strength parameters, including S-N curves for fatigue performance.

The ElectroForce® 3200 Series III test instruments feature a 225 N (450 N optional) maximum force. With the versatility of static to 300 Hz frequency response, the table-top configuration is adaptable to a variety of biomedical research and engineered materials test applications, including torsion testing, creep under dynamic loading and special environments (hot/cold chambers).

 

Force Range 3220: 0.002 N – 225 N

Force Range 3230: 0.002 N – 450 N

Detectable Information: Young’s Modulus and material strength parameters, including S-N curves for fatigue performance.

ElectroForce 3300 Series III instruments are well-suited for a variety of tests that include ASTM and ISO standards for materials and biomaterials characterization and long-term durability tests of materials, components and devices.

The ElectroForce 3300 family includes two models; the ElectroForce 3310 provides 1000 N of maximum force while the ElectroForce 3330 provides 3000 N. Both models are available with either table-top or floor-standing frames. The floor-standing frame enables the expansion of capabilities by either adding torsion or extended stroke motors. All configurations can perform tests that range from one cycle per day (or static tests) up to 100 Hz. Select the force capacity and frame configuration that is appropriate for your testing needs.

 

Force Range 3330: 0.2 N – 3000 N

Force Range 3310: 0.02 N – 1000  N

Detectable Information: Young’s Modulus and material strength parameters, including S-N curves for fatigue performance.

The ElectroForce Planar Biaxial TestBench instrument offers superior control and unparalleled performance in material and soft tissue characterization. Using this instrument, you can assess mechanical anisotropy and stress-strain relationships in samples that range from engineered devices, including wearable sensors and wound repair meshes, to tissues such as skin, pericardium, and heart valve leaflets. This instrument can be configured with either two or four ElectroForce linear motors mounted on a horizontal baseplate and load cell options for each axis of loading.

 

Force Range: 0.002 N – 200 N

Detectable Information: Mechanical properties such as Young’s Modulus, including anisotropy measurements of sheet-like samples or tissues.

Laser Flash

TA Instruments will match up to 30% toward the purchase of a DLF 1200 laser flash system

DLF 1200

The Discovery Laser Flash DLF 1200 is a compact benchtop instrument for the measurement of thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of materials from room temperature to 1200˚C. It features a proprietary laser source with 17 Joules of energy for testing of the widest range of samples under the most demanding conditions. Productivity is no problem with the four-sample tray design. It is the only benchtop light flash instrument available with a laser pulse source for enhanced precision, accuracy and capabilities beyond competitive Xenon light source designs.

 

Temperature Range: RT to 1200°C

Academic Support Plan

Keep your instrument running smoothly and reduce downtime, whether due to routine use or from being subject to the hands of less experienced users (or both). Our Academic Support Plan is the lowest cost, full-coverage warranty available anywhere, and is designed to reduce the cost of ownership and maximize uptime and product life.

More Perks:

  • FREE tuition to our regularly scheduled Theory & Applications Training Courses
  • 10% discount on supplies & consumables

Contact Us

*Offers expire December 15, 2023. Pricing on this page is shown in USD. International orders will be converted to local currency at the same rate of discount. Some modules and OEM products are excluded. Please contact your local TA representative for more details.