Equipment availability and reservation information can be found on the MSE iLab equipment page.
Thermal Analysis Equipment
Equipment Items
Netzsch STA 449 F3 Jupiter
Netzsch STA 449 F3 Jupiter simultaneous TGA and DSC.
This unit is equipped with a silicon carbide furnace with a maximum temperature of 1600°C
Perkin Elmer DSC 4000
The Perkin Elmer DSC 4000 measures the heat flow into a sample as it is heated, cooled or held under isothermal conditions. Its low mass furnace(30g) provides faster heat-up and cool-down times. Operating temperatures are -85°C to 450°C.
TA RSA-G2 Solids Analyzer (Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer)
The RSA-G2 provides viscoelastic information by measuring the stress and strain independently over a wide range of stress, strain, and frequency.
Strain is applied via a direct-drive, DSP-controlled, DC-servo motor with a displacement range of 50 nanometers to 1.5 millimeters with 1-nanometer resolution and drive frequencies to 100 Hz.
Sample stress is measured independently by a Force Balance Transducer (FRT), measuring over a range of 0.0005 N to 35 N.
Both the motor and transducer have highly sensitive position sensors and precision air bearings providing accurate and virtually inertia-free testing.
Viscoelastic properties from the glassy state through to the viscoelastic flow region can be measured in a single scan.
The transducer’s micro-stepping motor provides vertical positioning to an accuracy of 0.1 microns, speeds of 0.5 microns to 20 millimeters, and a large travel range of 100 millimeters.
The Forced Convection Oven (FCO) provides testing up to 600 °C.
Liquid nitrogen cooling provides cooling down to -150°C.
Available clamping systems include 3-pt bending, tension film fiber, compression parallel plate (15 mm and 25mm diameter), and film tension immersion cup.
The RSA-G2 can test stiff composites, ceramics, glassy and semi-crystalline polymers, metals, thermoplastics, elastomers, thin films, fibers, foams, gels, and pastes.
Testing capabilities include: strain-controlled and stress-controlled fatigue, stress relaxation, creep and recovery, isostrain and isostress, and axial rate control with linear and Henky rates
Thermal Advantage AR2000EX Rheometer
NEW, the rheometer is located in the fume hood, but is fully functional. The LN2 dewar is able to be used for cooling. The Peltier plate cooling device is connected to water, but the handle used to turn the water on and off has changed. The changes are marked in the lab on the fume hood controls. Gas connection for ETC is currently connected to just air. Check the flow rate shown by the ball on the meter in the fume hood. If you want to use the ETC and need assistance with running the new gas connection, please email mselabs@iastate.edu in advance for assistance.
Thermal Advantage DSC Q20
Thermal Advantage Q20 Differential Scanning Calorimeter with either Refrigerant Cooling System (RCS40) or Mechanical Cooling Accessory (MCA). Temperature range of -40°C to 400°C for RCS40, or -40°C to 725°C for the MCA. The DSC is currently shut-off due to lack of usage. If you would like to use it, please notify mselabs@iastate.edu in advance to ensure it is turned on and ready for use. It can take 24 hours for the system to dry out and stabilize.
Thermal Advantage DSC Q2000
The Thermal Advantage Q2000 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) with Liquid Nitrogen Cooling and 50-position Autosampler has a wide operating temperature range of -150 to 550°C with impressive heating rates up to 200°C/min.
Thermal Advantage TGA Q50
The Thermal Advantage TGA Q50 measures the change in weight as a function of temperature. The Q50 can be used to determine thermal stability, oxidative stability of materials, and composition of a multicomponent systems. Operating temperature range is ambient to 1000°C.
Thermal Advantage TGA5500
TA Instruments Discovery TGA 5500 with autosampler.
Heating range from ambient to 1200°C with linear heating rates 0.1 to 500°C/min in 0.01°C/min.
Sample net weight capacity = 1000 mg, Maximum net measureable weight change is 1000 mg. Weighing precision ±0.01%
Forced air cooling 1000°C to 35°C in ≤ 10 min.
Thermal Advantage TMA 450EM
TA Instruments TMA 450EM is a thermomechanical analyzer.
- Forces from 0.001 N to 2 N
- Sample lengths up to 26 mm, a measuring range of ±2.5 mm with resolution as low as 15 nm
- Heating rates of 0.01 to 100°C/min
Available accessories:
- Expansion probe
- Macro-expansion probe
- Penetration probe
- 3-pt bend fixture
Available in ranges from -70°C to 400°C with the mechanical cooling accessory and ambient to 1000°C without the cooling accessory. The accessory cannot be attached if the final temperature will exceed 400°C, so you must email mselabs@iastate.edu before you use the TMA 450 to notify if you want the cooling accessory installed or not.