THERMOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF POLYMER-SOLU TIONS

A modified method of thermomechanical analysis (MTMA) is developed for the systems with viscosity ranging from 10(-3) to 10(7) Ps. The MTMA curve is a temperature dependence of the mechanical resistance to pene tration of a specially shaped probing rod. In order to record a thermo mechanical curve in the heating mode, a sample is initially cooled unt il solidification, the probing rod is brought in contact with the samp le surface, and the probe is loaded with a force of F = 1-2 N. Then th e sample is heated at a preset rate and F is recorded as a function of the sample temperature T. After melting of the sample, the probe is d riven so as to perform a back-and-forth motion and the amplitude of pe riodically changing force F is recorded as a function of T. The MTMA c urves are presented for solutions of polyamide-6 in phenol and formic acid, polyoxadiazoles in sulfuric acid, and polyheteroarylenes in dime thylacetamide.