Replacement and new thermo-mechanical instruments for polymer characterization

机械和机电工程部目前拥有一台动态机械分析仪(DMA)，这是1996年在NSERC RTI赠款的援助下购买的。12年来，该仪器为数十名学生和研究人员提供了测试数据，这些学生和研究人员需要研究聚合物的力学行为随温度的变化。该基本仪器可以测量机械性能、蠕变和应力松弛响应，并识别分子松弛转变。然而，即使在多次修复尝试恢复它之后，它也不再处于工作状态。本提案要求提供资金以更换机器，并购买热机械分析仪(TMA)作为DMA的补充。TMA测量薄样品的尺寸变化。随着设备的小型化，工程部件的尺寸缩小，人们越来越需要更好地了解薄塑料件和薄膜的尺寸稳定性。除了仪器外，还要求提供附件，使其能够在受控的热湿环境中进行测试，并完全浸入水中。这些新功能最近才进入市场；这是一个信号，表明聚合物行业需要从测试中获得更准确的数据，以更接近地代表使用中的条件。

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.