ASTM D5023 Dynamic Mechanical Testing of Plastics

The standard test method ASTM D5023 describes Dynamic Mechanical testing of thermoplastics, thermosetting resins, and composites. Rectangular bar specimens are tested in flexure using three-point bending and forced vibration to determine key viscoelastic properties like elastic and loss moduli.

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

ASTM standard D5023 describes the determination of the viscoelastic properties of polymer materials by using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis. The response of plastics to dynamic loading is assessed to provide information on material stiffness and damping characteristics, and on their variation with temperature.

It provides quantitative information on the storage modulus, loss modulus, and the damping factor (tan δ), along with their variation with temperature, frequency, and time. Material manufacturers and researchers perform this test extensively to determine material performance, optimize formulations, and predict performance over extended periods in realistic environments.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D5023 applies to thermoplastic and thermosetting resins as well as polymer composite materials.
It evaluates:

Storage modulus (elastic response)
Loss modulus (viscous response)
Damping behaviour (tan δ)
Temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties
Frequency-dependent mechanical response
Cure effectiveness of thermosetting systems

The method uses forced vibration techniques from 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz under three-point bending conditions on rectangular specimens.

Applications

Polymer material characterization
Composite material testing
Automotive plastic components
Aerospace polymer structures
Electronic packaging materials
Product development and formulation optimization
Quality control testing
Research and development activities

Benefits

Provides standardized viscoelastic property data
Enables comparison between polymer systems
Assists in material selection
Evaluates damping and stiffness behavior
Supports product design optimization
Predicts long-term material performance
Improves manufacturing process control

Test Process

Specimen Preparation & Conditioning

Rectangular specimens are prepared and conditioned before testing.

Fixture Setup

Specimens are placed on a three-point bend fixture with an adjustable support span.

Dynamic Loading & Temperature Control

Sinusoidal displacement is applied while temperature is controlled.

Data Acquisition

Storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan δ are recorded.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Applicable Materials	Thermoplastics, thermosets, polymer composites
Frequency Range	0.01 Hz to 100 Hz
Specimen Shape	Rectangular bar
Support Span Ratio	Span-to-depth ratio = 16 (+4 / −2)
Typical Dimensions	64 mm × 13 mm × 3 mm
Overhang Requirement	≥10% of support span (min 6.4 mm)

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA)
Three-point bending fixture
Cylindrical loading nose
Load and displacement sensors
Environmental chamber
Temperature controller
Automated data acquisition system

Results and Deliverables

Storage modulus vs. temperature/frequency curves
Loss modulus vs. temperature/frequency curves
Damping factor (tan δ) plots
Material transition temperatures (Tg)
Comparative material performance reports
Quality control documentation
R&D analysis reports

Frequently Asked Questions

DMA identifies transition regions in plastics, such as the glass transition, and may be used for quality control or product development. DMA can recognize small transition regions beyond DSC's resolution (Differential Scanning Calorimetry).

Dynamic mechanical analysis (abbreviated DMA) is a technique for studying and characterizing materials. It is most helpful in analyzing the viscoelastic behavior of polymers. A sinusoidal stress is applied, and the strain in the material is measured, allowing one to determine the complex modulus.

What's the difference between DMA and TMA analysis? The main difference between DMA and TMA (thermo-mechanical analysis) is that the former measures mechanical properties, while the latter measures thermal expansion.