How to Characterize Modern Composites Using Thermal Analysis

In this webinar, we describe a number of typical applications that can be used for the routine testing and development of modern, polymer-based, composite materials in various industry segments.

What Is a Composite Material?

A composite material is a combination of two or more constituent materials with different properties, where the individual components remain separate and distinct within the finished material. The functional properties of a composite material are improved compared to the properties of the individual components. For example, the strength-to-weight ratio in a polymer is improved by incorporating reinforcing carbon fibers.

Industrial Applications

Many industries have replaced metals with composites because of their lighter weight, lower price and better performance. Composites are widely used in the transport, building, electronics, sports equipment, and other industries.

Thermal Analysis of Composites

Many important properties can be determined using thermal analysis techniques:

DSC: Melting behavior, glass transition, curing kinetics of resins, influence of additives
TGA: Thermal stability, composition investigations such as filler and fiber content
TMA: Shrinkage, expansion, glass transition
DMA: Most sensitive technique for glass transition, modulus, viscoelastic properties, plus influence of measuring frequency and displacement amplitude