TMA Testing from -70°C to 1500°C
TAL offers specialized expertise in thermal expansion testing services. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) is a technique used to determine the dimensional changes of a sample with respect to temperature, such as the softening temperature, glass transition temperature, and coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE). The most common application of TMA is to determine the CTE.
What Is The Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE)?
CTE is defined as the degree of expansion divided by the change in temperature:
Where ΔL is the change in length, L0 is the initial length, and ΔT is the change in temperature.
Why is Understanding the CTE Important?
Understanding the CTE of a material is essential for proper usage in different environmental conditions. Failure to account for CTE in certain applications can introduce detrimental stress and ultimately lead to failure. A precise understanding of thermal expansion behaviour provides crucial insight into firing processes, the influence of additives, reaction kinetics, and other important aspects of how a material responds to environmental changes.
How Do You Measure CTE?
TAL offers Thermomechanical analysis testing using Rigaku TMA 8311- the first TMA to offer differential methods. This extremely precise system offers a temperature range of -70°C to 1500°C, and multiple attachments are available to conform to specific testing needs. TAL currently offers single rod & differential compression loading (expansion, shrinkage, glass transition) and differential penetration (softening). 
For more information on the theory of how to measure CTE, click here.
What does a test report look like?
Click here to see an example test report for our compression method. For an example report of our Tensile Loading Attachment, click here.
Application 1: Copper Thin Films Under Different Atmospheres
Thermal expansion in thin films is key to ensuring mechanical stability and substrate compatibility during temperature changes. Even minor mismatches can cause stress, leading to cracks or delamination in high-precision applications. Understanding the thermal expansion of thin films, especially under different atmospheric conditions, is crucial in understanding the behavior of such films.
Below: A copper thin film tested using Rigaku TMA8311’s Thin Film Attachment from room temperature to 300°C under static air (green) and argon (blue). The sample was heated at 5°C/min, then held at 100°C increments for one hour. Here, the copper film’s length remained unaffected in an inert atmosphere at 300°C, but some expansion was observed under air.
Application 2: Phase transition of Nitinol
Monitoring the phase transition behavior of Nitinol is essential for understanding its unique shape memory and superelastic properties. The transformation between its martensitic and austenitic phases under thermal cycling directly influences its mechanical response and functional performance. This data is crucial for tailoring Nitinol’s behavior in applications such as biomedical devices and actuators, where precise control over temperature-dependent deformation is required.
Below: Nitinol pellet tested using Rigaku TMA8311. The transition of Nitinol from martensitic to austenitic phases was captured during a TMA measurement, as shown by a sudden decrease in the CTE. From this data, it can be seen that the transition temperature of this Nitinol sample is around 61°C.
Application 3: Thermal Stability Evaluation of Battery Separators by DSC + TMA
The lithium-ion battery separator insulates the cathode and anode while allowing lithium ions to pass through its microscopic pores. The separator is required for the battery’s physical integrity within the operating temperature range and to have a shutdown function that blocks the pores at high temperatures to prevent thermal runaway. TMA and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) are effective methods for analyzing and evaluating these properties.
Below: Rigaku’s DSCvesta confirmed endothermic peaks at 132 °C and 165 °C, corresponding to the melting of polyethylene and polypropylene. The shutdown function is activated by the melting of the porous polyethylene.
Rigaku’s TMA8311 revealed shrinkage in the A direction near the polyethylene melting temperature, and elongation in the B direction above the polypropylene melting temperature.
Rigaku’s Vullios analysis software allows the combination of measured data from different instruments into a single plot.
Instrument Specifications
| Temperature Range | -70°C – 1500°C |
| Maximum Heating Rate | 100°C/min (20°C/min for low temperature furnace) |
| Maximum Load | 1000mN |
| Length Change Resolution | 0.3nm |
Sample Size Requirements
| Differential and Non-Differential Compression Loading | L = 10-20mm, D = 5mm (up to 9mm) |
| Differential Penetration | L ≤ 4mm, D ≤ 5mm |
| Tensile Loading Attachment* | L ≥ 30 mm, W ≤ 30 mm, T = 0.01-0.2 mm |
* Maximum temperature limitations apply for this test configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TMA and Dilatometry testing?
Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and Dilatometry are used to measure how a material expands, contracts, or deforms as temperature changes. TMA evaluates dimensional change under a small, applied load, allowing us to characterize properties such as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), softening temperature, and glass transition. Dilatometry focuses on precise linear expansion without applied force and is commonly used for ceramics, metals, and glasses. Both techniques help quantify thermal stability and dimensional performance for a wide range of materials.
What properties can be measured using TMA?
TMA measures dimensional changes of a material as a function of temperature, time, or applied force. Common outputs include coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), softening temperature, glass transition (via expansion), and dimensional stability.
Which testing methods do you use?
At TAL, we offer several TMA testing methods, including standard TMA, differential TMA, thin-film TMA, and penetration TMA. These methods allow us to measure dimensional changes, thermal expansion, softening, and other thermomechanical properties across a wide range of materials.
What type of materials are suitable for TMA testing?
TMA is suitable for polymers, elastomers, composites, thin films, foams, adhesives, metals, glasses and ceramics. It is especially effective for materials where thermal expansion or deformation under load is critical.
How much sample material is needed?
TMA requires relatively small samples, typically a rectangular, cylindrical, or layered specimen measuring approximately 10–20 mm. We can also test smaller samples depending on the material type and testing mode. Exact requirements can be provided once you share the material type and test objectives. You can refer to our sample-size requirements document here.
What temperature range is supported for TMA testing?
We typically support measurements from approximately –70°C to 1500°C, depending on the material and probe configuration.
What is the turnaround time for TMA testing?
Typical turnaround time is 2 to 3 business weeks, depending on the sample type, testing method, and current workload. Expedited testing is available for an additional surcharge and can reduce the turnaround time to as little as a few days
How much does TMA testing cost?
The cost typically ranges from US $600 to US $1500 per sample, depending on the sample type, testing conditions, and temperature range. Please contact us to receive a personalized quote tailored to your specific samples.
How are TMA test results presented?
Clients receive a comprehensive test report. A sample test report on thin films can be found here.
How do I submit a sample or request a quote for TMA testing?
You may submit a single sample or multiple samples, or request a quote, by contacting us through our online form, email, or call us at +1-877-827-7623 (toll-Free) or +1 (506) 457-1515 (international). Please provide details about your material, sample count, sample sizes, and desired testing parameters to ensure an accurate quote.