Thermal Analysis of Thermoset Materials – METTLER TOLEDO

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 (T_g) 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 T_g of a known material.