ASTM D5418

ASTM D5418 is one of the most commonly used test standards for conducting DMA of Plastics in Flexure. The test procedure characterizes the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins and composite systems. Using rectangular specimens, ASTM D5418 determines the storage (elastic or E’), loss (viscous or E”) and complex (E*) moduli, as well as tan delta (δ), as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. These properties provide insights as to the thermomechanical performance, including glass transition temperature (Tg), damping behavior, and effectiveness of cure.

 

NOTE: Data accuracy and analysis is particularly critical with polymers, as failures can occur even when loads and stresses are constant over time. This is known as creep failure. Another common failure occurs when polymer life is shortened due to operation in higher temperatures than originally designed for. In accordance with the Williams-Landau-Ferry (WLF) model, the MTS DMA software can perform time-temperature superposition (TTS) algorithms, allowing materials researchers to generate master curves that are critical in predicting long-term life based on short-term test data. Three decades of reliable data is especially important here since data errors lead to large amounts of error in life estimation.

 

Solutions for ASTM D5418 typically include these types of components:

 

Both the MTS Acumen® and the MTS Landmark® test systems are ideal for conducting dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of polymers per ASTM D5418. They offer a variety of force capacities and deliver up to 100 Hz (covering three decades) of precise, frequency controlled test protocols to accommodate a wide variety of DMA and other fatigue testing needs.