5.1 The glass transition is dependent on the thermal history of the material to be tested. For amorphous and semicrystalline materials the assignment of the glass transition temperature may lead to important information about thermal history, processing conditions, stability, progress of chemical reactions, and mechanical and electrical behavior.

5.2 Thermomechanical analysis provides a rapid means of detecting changes in hardness or linear expansion associated with the glass transition.

5.3 This test method is useful for research and development, quality control, and specification acceptance.

1.1 This test method describes procedures for the assignment of the glass transition temperature of materials on heating using thermomechanical measurements under compression experimental conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to amorphous or to partially crystalline materials that are sufficiently rigid below the glass transition to inhibit indentation by the sensing probe.

1.3 The normal operating temperature range is from −100 °C to 600 °C. This temperature range may be extended depending upon the instrumentation used.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 7.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.