ISO 6721-4

ISO 6721 Part 4 is one of the most commonly used test standards for conducting DMA of materials in Tension, at frequencies typically up to 100 Hz. The test procedure characterizes the viscoelastic properties of thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins and composite systems. Using rectangular specimens, ISO 6721-4 determines the storage (elastic or E’), loss (viscous or E”) and complex (E*) moduli, as well as tan delta (tan δ), as a function of frequency, temperature, or time. These properties provide insights into 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 Master Curve software can perform frequency-temperature shift procedures, allowing materials researchers to generate master plots that are critical in predicting long-term life based on short-term test data. Three decades of reliable data is especially important here since small data errors lead to large amounts of error in life estimation.

 

Solutions for ISO 6721-4 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 ISO 6721-4. 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. The compact MTS Acumen systems’ electrodynamic actuation consumes less energy than other technologies, and provides a clean, quiet, and cost-effective system operation. The MTS Landmark 100 Hz Elastomer Test System is a tabletop system that features MTS servohydraulic actuation technology, and is the preferred test system when testing requirements demand higher force capacities.