Educational series: thermal properties of thermoplastic polymeric materials, experimental and theoretical practices

Abstract

A cornerstone in fundamental polymer processing knowledge remains the thermal properties of polymers and the structure–property–process relationships that culminate in application specific performance. Thermal properties, like the glass transition temperature and melting point, have real world significance and are measured experimentally as they depend on the thermal mechanical history of the material. This educational review introduces the typical experimental methods used to measure the thermal properties of polymers, amorphous and semi-crystalline, and how these properties depend on polymer chemistry and experimental conditions. While not a comprehensive review of all techniques available to characterize polymers, the goal of the present review is to provide sufficient information for a novice to employ commonly available techniques, using best practices, in differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and microscopy. Additionally, introductory theoretical concepts, essential to understanding the observed properties, are also presented to provide context for the experimental methods discussed.