Replacement and new thermo-mechanical instruments for polymer characterization

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The Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering currently houses a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) purchased through the assistance of a NSERC RTI grant in 1996. For 12 years, the instrument provided test data to dozens of students and research staff who needed to study polymer mechanical behaviour as a function of temperature. The basic instrument can measure mechanical properties, creep and stress relaxation response and identify molecular relaxation transitions. It is, however, no longer in working condition even after multiple repair attempts to restore it. The present proposal requests funds to replace the machine and also to purchase a Thermomechanical Analyzer (TMA) to complement the DMA. The TMA measures dimensional change in thin samples. As the dimensions of engineering components shrink due to miniaturization of devices, there is a growing demand for better understanding of dimensional stability of thin plastic parts and films. In addition to the instruments, accessories that will allow tests to be conducted in controlled heat-humidity environments as well as full submersion in water have been requested. These new capabilities have only been recently introduced into the market; a signal that the polymer industry is requiring more accurate data from tests that more closely represent in-service conditions.