Thermal Analysis Laboratories — DSC, TGA & DMA
Thermal analysis characterises how materials respond to temperature: DSC measures transitions and reaction enthalpies, TGA tracks mass loss and decomposition, DMA measures viscoelastic properties under oscillating load, and TMA measures dimensional change. Together they support material identification, quality control and failure investigation.
What does it measure?
- Glass transition, melting and crystallisation behaviour (DSC)
- Decomposition profile, filler and volatiles content (TGA)
- Storage and loss modulus, tan delta and softening (DMA)
- Coefficient of thermal expansion (TMA)
- Oxidative induction time and curing behaviour
When is it used?
- Material identification, comparison and incoming QC
- Investigating premature failure or processing problems
- Characterising cure of thermosets and adhesives
- Generating data for material selection and simulation
Sample considerations
- Small samples suffice, but thermal history matters — state processing and conditioning.
- Specify the temperature range, atmosphere and heating rate your application needs.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- Kiyo R&D Center and Laboratory (Chennai, Tamil Nadu) — Polymer Testing, Plastics Testing, Thermal Analysis
- Anderson Materials Evaluation (Columbia, MD) — Surface Analysis, Materials Testing, Failure Analysis
- Composite Test & Evaluation Ltd (Honiton, Devon) — Composites Testing, Mechanical Testing, Fatigue Testing
Frequently asked questions
- Which technique should I start with?
- For an unknown polymer, DSC and TGA together answer most identification questions; DMA adds mechanical behaviour versus temperature. Describe the question and the laboratory will propose a programme.
Confirm standard edition, jurisdiction and actual laboratory scope. Service references are not partnerships or endorsements.