Thermal Analysis of Thermoset Materials
Useful Techniques for Identification and Characterization
Program
- What are thermosets? Basic properties and formation
- Thermal analysis techniques for studying thermosets
- Application examples using DSC, TGA, TMA, and DMA
- Which technique should be used in your analysis?
- Interactive Q&A session
A thermoset is a polymer that undergoes a particular chemical reaction, known as curing, to form a permanent, heavily cross-linked structure. The material cannot be melted or remolded to form a new shape, even at high temperatures. Thermosets are typically rigid and insoluble, with high mechanical strength and temperature stability. Examples include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, polyesters, and polyurethanes.
Due to their highly temperature-dependent physical behavior, thermal analysis is an ideal set of techniques for identifying and characterizing these materials.
This webinar discusses the most important thermal properties of thermosets and describes useful thermal analysis techniques used to analyze them.
Register now to secure your spot and join the live Q&A!
How to Characterize Thermosets
Different thermal techniques can be used to determine the key properties of these materials:
- DSC: Useful for determining glass transition, melting, reaction enthalpies, curing and thermal stability.
- TGA: Mainly used for composition analysis, thermal stability, decomposition, evaporation, and desorption behavior.
- TMA: Typically used to study mechanical behavior such as expansion, shrinkage, softening, plus glass transition.
- DMA: Best for studying viscoelastic behavior, glass transition, and frequency-dependent effects.
What is a Typical Analysis of a Thermoset?
A typical and important analysis of a thermoset is the characterization of epoxy resin materials. In this case, determining the glass transition temperature (Tg) and investigating the curing reaction are highly important. This information can be used in manufacturing, for example testing the process conditions required to properly cure thermosets. It can also be used in quality control, to check the expected Tg of a known material.
Presenter: Dr. Teresa DennenwaldtDr. Teresa Dennenwaldt obtained her PhD in chemistry in 2013 and completed a postdoc at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland in the field of electron microscopy and spectroscopy. In 2018, she joined METTLER TOLEDO as an application specialist for Thermal Analysis. In her current position, she expertly uses, teaches, and supports DSC, TGA, TMA, and DMA instruments at the METTLER TOLEDO head office in Switzerland.
