ASTM E1545-11(2016)

5.1 The glass transition is dependent on the thermal history of the material to be tested. For amorphous and semicrystalline materials the assignment of the glass transition temperature may lead to important information about thermal history, processing conditions, stability, progress of chemical reactions, and mechanical and electrical behavior.

5.2 Thermomechanical analysis provides a rapid means of detecting changes in hardness or linear expansion associated with the glass transition.

5.3 This test method is useful for research and development, quality control, and specification acceptance.

1.1 This test method describes procedures for the assignment of the glass transition temperature of materials on heating using thermomechanical measurements under compression experimental conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to amorphous or to partially crystalline materials that are sufficiently rigid below the glass transition to inhibit indentation by the sensing probe.

1.3 The normal operating temperature range is from − 100 to 600°C. This temperature range may be extended depending upon the instrumentation used.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This test method is related to ISO 11359-2. ISO 11359-2 additionally covers the determination of coefficient of linear thermal expansion not covered by this test method. This test method is related to IEC 61006 but uses a slower heating rate.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.