Comparison of Complex Modulus Provided by Three Different Dynamic Mechanical Analyzers

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites have been used in several applications of engineering and applied sciences. This wide range of applications is due to their distinguished properties. Therefore, the great understanding of their physical and mechanical properties is required to make an efficient use of these materials. Among the experimental techniques, Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is one of the most common methods employed to study the materials' composition and properties. This work presents an investigation on the mathematical formulation for complex modulus determined by this technique and how it is evaluated. Measurements of temperature-dependent complex modulus were performed by three different dynamic mechanical analyzers using threepoint bending mode. Test conditions were basically the same in these different machines. Comparisons of the results were made in order to observe the effects of testing equipment and test parameters. 1.