Transient Plane Source Polymer Series Summary

The Transient Plane Source (TPS) method is a popular approach used in the measurement of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity of materials. The article summarizes the TPS Polymer Series and how it is used to evaluate the thermal properties of different polymers.

TPS Method Overview

TPS Method Principle

The TPS (Transient Plane Source) method is a technique that is used to measure the thermal properties of materials. This method is based on the transient plane source technique. The technique involves the use of a sensor. The sensor is in the form of a double spiral.

In order to conduct a measurement using the TPS approach, the sensor is positioned either between two samples or positioned against the sensor and the known backing insultation. This allows for accurate measurement of the thermal properties of the material.

During the measurement, an electrical current is passed through the sensor, which causes it to heat up. At the same time, the sensor measures the temperature rise as a function of time. This data is then used to construct a time-temperature curve, which provides valuable information about the thermal behavior of the material.

From the time-temperature curve, the thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity of the material can be calculated. These properties are important in understanding how a material conducts, transfers, and stores heat.

Overall, the TPS method is a powerful technique that allows for accurate and precise measurement of the thermal properties of materials. It is widely used in various industries and research fields to study the behavior of materials under different thermal conditions.

TPS Method Advantages

The TPS method, also known as the transient plane source method, is a highly effective and reliable non-destructive technique used to determine the thermal properties of various materials. Unlike other methods that may cause damage or alteration to the material being tested, the TPS method ensures that the integrity of the material remains intact.

One of the key advantages of the TPS method is its ability to accurately measure thermal conductivity and diffusivity. These parameters are crucial in understanding how heat is transferred through materials and are essential in various scientific and engineering applications. By providing precise measurements, the TPS method offers valuable insights into the behavior and performance of different materials.

Furthermore, the versatility of the TPS method is worth mentioning. It has the capability to analyze a wide range of materials, including anisotropic ones. Anisotropic materials have different thermal properties in different directions, and the TPS method can accurately determine these variations. This makes it a valuable tool in studying and characterizing materials with complex thermal behavior.

The TPS method’s reliability and accuracy make it highly valuable in scientific and engineering applications. It can be used in research laboratories, manufacturing industries, and other fields where understanding the thermal properties of materials is crucial. The precise measurements obtained through the TPS method help in optimizing thermal designs, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring the safety and reliability of various systems.

In summary, the TPS method is a non-destructive technique that offers accurate measurements of thermal properties without causing damage to materials. Its ability to determine parameters such as thermal conductivity and diffusivity with confidence, analyze a wide range of materials, and provide precise measurements make it an invaluable tool in scientific and engineering applications.

TPS Polymer Series

The TPS Polymer Series encompasses a variety of studies on different types of polymers.

Various samples of plastic polymers were tested in a Transient Plane Source (TPS) polymer series. High temperature and general plastics were tested for thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity using the Transient Plane Source instrument. This instrument has the capability of measuring absolute bulk and directional thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity for solids, liquids, pastes and powders without the need for calibration or contacts agents.

Having only one piece of sample material for each plastic made thermal properties testing an ideal job for the TPS single-sided sensor. This sensor was designed specifically for performing tests when only one sample piece is available or when testing large, hard to handle samples.

Polymers that were tested are: polyetherimide, polyphenyl sulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinyl chloride, fluorinated ethylene propylene, and polyamide-imide.

The series provides valuable data on the thermal properties of these polymers, which can be used in applications like material selection and design, quality control, and research and development.

The data can also be used to understand and predict the behavior of these materials under different thermal conditions.

Table 1.  Summary table of polymers measured with corresponding bulk thermal properties values and reference thermal conductivity value.

Polyamide-imide (Torlon) was measured using the TPS anisotropic module after discovery that the measured bulk thermal conductivity value was quite high in comparison to the reference. An important consideration when comparing bulk to through-thickness values, like measured values by ASTM C177*, is the possibility that the materials may be anisotropic. It was then decided the Torlon sample should be investigated for anisotropy.

Table 2. Summary table for Torlon with corresponding through-thickness thermal properties values and reference thermal conductivity value.

The experimental results showed the accuracy of the transient plane source (TPS) method for testing low conductivity materials such as plastic polymers.

 It is also a valid indication of the high precision and accuracy of the modified transient plane source sensor when double-sided testing is not favourable.

Conclusion

The Transient Plane Source Polymer Series is a significant resource in the field of materials science. It provides a wealth of information on the thermal properties of various polymers, which can be instrumental in numerous applications. The use of the TPS method ensures that the data is accurate, reliable, and relevant to the real-world performance of these materials.