Supported dynamic mechanical thermal analysis: an easy, powerful and very sensitive technique to assess thermal properties of polymer, coating and even nanocoating

A dynamic mechanical. thermal analysis (DMTA) performed on stacked coated s upports or on samples sandwiched between rigid supports (carbon or glass fi bers, metal or glass plates, ...)is described. The choice of a dual cantilever deformation favors the shear strain of the less stiff material between the more rigid supports. A theoretical model de monstrates that the less stiff material response is mainly recorded and mor eover amplified. An exceptional sensitivity to the soft material is therefo re observed. This method does not require any special sample (only stacking of coated su pports or sample sandwiching) whilst it enables to characterize in situ pol ymer coating, even nanocoating. This characterization is of prime interest in technological coating developments such as paints, fiber sizings, glues, ... This possible measurement of thermal transitions peculiar to nanocoati ngs also opens more fundamental studies as the probing of interface influen ce on thermal transitions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.