Test standards Alpine supports: ASTM D4065, ASTM D4440, ASTM D5279
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is an advanced thermal and mechanical testing method used to measure the viscoelastic properties of materials as they are subjected to oscillating forces over a range of temperatures, strains, and frequencies. DMA measures how a material stores and dissipates energy, providing insight into its stiffness, dampening, and transitions such as the glass transition temperature (Tg). By analyzing these properties, DMA helps determine how materials will perform under dynamic loading, vibration, and thermal cycling conditions, making it a powerful tool for polymer characterization and engineering design as well as manufacturing process improvements.
At Alpine Polytech, DMA is used to characterize elastomers, plastics, and composites for precise material validation, quality control, and failure analysis. This data is valuable for understanding material performance under real-world vibration, sealing, or cyclic loading conditions in oilfield, aerospace, and industrial environments. We interpret DMA data and design modifications based on observed transitions and mechanical performance across operating conditions.
Testing Details
ASTM D4065: Standard for determining and reporting dynamic mechanical properties of plastics.
ASTM D4440: Dynamic mechanical properties of thin plastic sheeting.
ASTM D5279: Torsional vibration analysis of plastics.
ISO 6721: Standard for determining plastic, composite, and rubber dynamic mechanical properties.
ISO 4664: Rubber or plastic determination of dynamic properties.
During testing, a small specimen of elastomer, plastic, or composite material is subjected to a controlled oscillating force while the temperature is systematically increased or decreased. The DMA records the material’s response, measuring storage modulus (elastic behavior), loss modulus (viscous behavior), and tan delta (damping characteristics). These measurements allow the identification of transitions within the material, such as glass transition, secondary transitions, and softening points, and can indicate crosslink density or compatibility of blends and composites. The clamp designs allow for several different kinds of force, such as bending, tension, shear, compression, and powder testing. A DMA scan of commercial HNBR is shown below.
