Application of Thermal Analysis and Related Techniques in Rubber Industry

Thermal analysis techniques including Thermogravimetry (TGA), Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), and Laser/Light Flash Analysis (LFA), are widely used for characterization in rubber industry, such as thermal stability and compositional analysis (plasticizer, elastomer, filler and ash content) by TGA; identification of gases released during decomposition or evaporation and verification of evaporation or decomposition processes by EGA; influence of plasticizer and post-curing by DSC; frequency dependent visco-elastic behavior (damping and stiffness) and heat build-up, thermal set, blow out etc. by DMA and fatigue tester; thermal expansion and shrinkage by TMA; thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity (e.g., influence of added carbon black) by LFA. Glass transition temperature which determines the application temperature range can be tested by DSC, TMA or DMA respectively.