Over the years there have been many posts on the characterization of polymers that were focused mainly on thermosets.  In the next series of posts, we will discuss various types of mechanical testing that can be used to characterize the mechanical properties of both thermosets and thermoplastics.  In this post, we will discuss tensile testing for polymers. ASTM D638 ... [Click to Continue...]

The last post described the experimental procedure for the heat deflection temperature (HDT).  A lot of technical data sheets show the HDT to aid in the material selection process.  The HDT represents the upper use temperature for a particular polymer, formulation or composite.  Recall from the last post that the HDT is defined as the temperature at which a standard dimension ... [Click to Continue...]

A question that often arises when looking at technical data sheets is what is the difference between the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the heat deflection (or heat distortion) temperature (HDT).  To be clear, they are not the same and there is some confusion around the comparison.  Many factors can influence the HDT.  Let’s first begin by describing the heat deflection ... [Click to Continue...]

My post today is a little late this morning.  I was consumed yesterday monitoring Hurricane Irma since my elderly mom lives in Fort Myers, Florida which took a near direct hit from Irma.  We talked after the eye-wall passed (amazingly her cell phone worked) and she was fine.  She was able to shelter in place with four others in a well protected condo on the second floor with ... [Click to Continue...]