High-performance polymers are a critical material for manufacturers due to their combination of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, but especially their cost. Without adequate testing, manufacturers could run into a slew of issues, from immediate product failure to poor performance or failure after some time in usage.
DetailsWhile many instruments can measure DMA type properties (phase, tan delta, etc), many are not performing ‘real’ DMA experiments. On the surface, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis seems straightforward: apply periodic stress/strain and measure the sample’s mechanical response including the phase relationship, revealing characteristics like stiffness (storage modulus) and damping (loss modulus).
DetailsFrom material selection and failure analysis to end-use application, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) offers crucial polymer insights. Polymer scientists and design engineers pair DMA with fatigue testing to gain a complete view of their material’s properties and performance attributes.
DetailsInnovation in materials science is a continuous pursuit, driven by the demand for lighter, stronger, more durable, and more reliable components. This is especially critical in the aerospace and defense industries, where materials must perform reliably under extreme conditions—including intense mechanical stress, wide temperature fluctuations, and long-term environmental exposure.
DetailsThere is a renewed interest in the durability of protective sports equipment after Patrick Mahomes’ helmet recently cracked apart in -4 degrees Fahrenheit (-20 degrees Celsius) weather. Scientists from TA Instruments ran tests to find out if materials found in protective sports equipment can break due to cold weather.
DetailsTennis players of all levels know that the right ball can make or break your game. But how do different balls compare, and how can manufacturers reliably measure these differences?
DetailsFrom plastic for medical devices to rubber for tires, the materials we use must meet increasingly high demands. Product manufacturers and consumers expect their materials to look good, perform well, and cost less, all while being environmentally friendly. Fulfilling all these expectations requires deep understanding of material behavior from the molecular level to real world mechanical properties. Since there are many factors that affect the properties of materials, precise measurement tools and methods are required to ensure that materials fulfill the high expectations of our world. A key measurement and analysis method to evaluate the properties of materials at various stages of development and production is Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).
DetailsAs lithium-ion batteries evolve to meet demands for increased energy density, safety, and form factor versatility, one component remains central to their capacity and reliability: the separator.
DetailsMechanical testing supports material and product innovation across a variety of industries and applications, from testing the long-term durability of dental implants during chewing to predicting how a car part will bend during an accident. Learn how the latest technology advances mechanical testing to better support cutting-edge product development.
DetailsOur world is brimming with viscoelastic materials: The dough you knead before baking a fresh loaf, the Silly Putty your toddler slaps against the wall, the rubber gaskets that create an airtight seal on an airplane door. Testing those materials by applying controlled deformations (strains) or forces (stresses) at various timescales, temperatures, and/or humidities allows for the optimization of properties and ensures durability and safety.
DetailsWhat are bioplastics? How can plastic manufacturers use them to improve the environmental impact of their products? With so many emerging green technologies, producers and consumers need to differentiate between greenwashing1 and genuine advancements. Furthermore, if a new development is deemed environmentally beneficial, all stages of the plastics supply chain, especially converters, must then learn how to incorporate the new technology without undermining their process or products.
DetailsWe expect a lot from our composites: rocket materials need to endure the heat of takeoff, wind turbines must withstand high wind gusts, and sneakers are expected to be durable and supportive on long runs. How do experts develop composites tailored to such specific uses and verify their properties?
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