ASTM E2206-21

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2206 − 11 (Reapproved 2015) E2206 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Force Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2206; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes the calibration or performance confirmation of the electronically applied force signal for
thermomechanical analyzers over the range of 0 N to 1 N.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 There is no ISO method equivalent to this standard.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E473 Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
E617 Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards
E831 Test Method for Linear Thermal Expansion of Solid Materials by Thermomechanical Analysis
E1142 Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties
E1363 Test Method for Temperature Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers
E2113 Test Method for Length Change Calibration of Thermomechanical Analyzers
E2161 Terminology Relating to Performance Validation in Thermal Analysis and Rheology
3. Terminology
3.1 The technical terms used in this standard are defined in Terminologies E473, E1142, and E2161 including calibration,
conformance, precision, relative standard deviation, repeatability, reproducibility, and thermomechanical analyzer.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E37.10 on Fundamental,
Statistical and Mechanical Properties.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015March 1, 2021. Published October 2015April 2021. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
E2206 – 11.E2206 – 11 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/E2206-11R15.10.1520/E2206-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2206 − 21
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The electronic force signal generated by a thermomechanical analyzer is compared to that exerted by gravity on a known mass.
The thermomechanical analyzer may be said to be in conformance if the performance is within established limits, typically 1 %.
Alternatively, the force signal may be calibrated using a two-point calibration method.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Most thermomechanical analysis experiments are carried out with some force applied to the test specimen. This force is often
created electronically. It may be constant or changed during the experiment.
5.2 This method demonstrates conformance or calibrates the electronically applied force signal.
5.3 This method may be used for research and development, quality control, manufacturing or regulatory applications.
5.4 Other thermomechanical analyzer calibration functions include temperature by Test Method E1363 and length change by Test
Method E2113.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Thermomechanical Analyzer—The essential instrumentation required to provide a minimum thermomechanical analysis or
thermodilatometric capability for this method includes:
6.1.1 Rigid Specimen Holder, inert, low expansivity material [typically <0.6 μm ⁄(m · K)] to center the specimen in the furnace and
to fix the specimen to mechanical ground.
NOTE 1—Amorphous silica (quartz) is a commonly used material of construction. Materials of construction with greater expansivity may be used but shall
be reported.
6.1.2 Rigid (Expansion or Compression) Probe, inert, low expansivity material [typically <0.6 μm ⁄(m · K)] which contacts the
specimen with an applied compressive force (see Note 1).
6.1.3 Sensing Element, linear over a minimum range of 2 mm to measure the displacement of the rigid probe readable to 61 μm
resulting from changes in length of the specimen.
6.1.4 Programmable Force Transducer, to generate a constant force (61.0 %) of up to 1.0 N that is applied through the rigid probe
to the specimen.
NOTE 2—Other force ranges may be used but shall be reported.
6.1.5 Furnace, capable of providing uniform controlled heating (cooling) of the specimen to a constant temperature or at a
constant rate within the temperature range of −100 °C to 600°C.600 °C.
NOTE 3—Other temperature ranges may be used but shall be reported.
6.1.6 Temperature Controller, capable of executing a specific temperature program by operating the furnace between selected
temperature limits at a rate of change of up to 10°C/min10 °C ⁄min constant to 0.1°C/min0.1 °C ⁄min or at an isothermal
temperature constant to 60.5°C.60.5 °C.
NOTE 4—Other heating rates may be used but shall be reported.
6.1.7 Temperature Sensor, that can be attached to, in contact with, or reproducibly positioned in close proximity to the specimen
to provide an indication of the specimen temperature to 60.1°C.60.1 °C.
E2206 − 21
6.1.8 A means of sustaining an environment around the specimen of inert purge gas with a purge gas rate of 10 to
100 6 5 mL100 mL ⁄min 6 5 mL ⁄min.
NOTE 5—Typically, 99.9+ % pure nitrogen, argon, or helium is employed when oxidation in air is a concern. Unless effects of moisture are to be studied,
use of dry purge gas is recommended and is essential for operation at subambient temperatures.
6.1.9 Data Collection Device, to provide a means of acquiring, storing, and displaying measured or calculated signals, or both.
The minimum output signals required for thermomechanical analysis are a change in linear dimension, temperature, and time.
6.2 50 g to 100 g 6 0.002 % Class 4 or better mass (traceable to a national reference laboratory) in compliance with Specification
E617.
7. Calibration
7.1 Prepare the thermomechanical analyzer for operation according to procedures recommen
...