ISO 11359-3:2019
(Main)Plastics - Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) - Part 3: Determination of penetration temperature
Plastics - Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) - Part 3: Determination of penetration temperature
This document specifies a method for the determination of the penetration temperature of thermoplastics using thermomechanical analysis (TMA). NOTE This method can also be used to measure the softening point.
Plastiques — Analyse thermomécanique (TMA) — Partie 3: Détermination de la température de pénétration
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 04-Feb-2019
- Technical Committee
- ISO/TC 61/SC 5 - Physical-chemical properties
- Drafting Committee
- ISO/TC 61/SC 5/WG 8 - Thermal analysis
- Current Stage
- 9092 - International Standard to be revised
- Start Date
- 20-Nov-2024
- Completion Date
- 13-Dec-2025
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2017
Overview
ISO 11359-3:2019 defines a standardized thermomechanical analysis (TMA) procedure for the determination of the penetration temperature of thermoplastics. The penetration temperature (Tp) is the temperature at which an abrupt displacement of a penetration probe occurs under a defined load as the specimen softens. This method can also be used to evaluate the softening point of thermoplastic materials and is intended for quality control, material comparison and R&D.
Key Topics
- Principle: Measure the onset and rate change of probe penetration while the temperature is increased at a constant rate. The penetration temperature is determined from the intersection of tangents on the TMA curve.
- Apparatus: A TMA instrument compliant with ISO 11359-1 and capable of applying a constant specified force to a penetration probe.
- Penetration probe: Preferably cylindrical with a flat tip. Nominal tip diameters specified are 0.5 ± 0.05 mm or 1.0 ± 0.12 mm, with length not less than 1 mm. Spherical probes are permitted when specimen geometry or aerated foams require them.
- Specimen: Typical thickness between 0.5 mm and 5 mm (thinner specimens down to 0.01 mm can be measured). Recommended specimen dimensions are approximately 5 mm square or 5 mm diameter, with smooth, flat surfaces to ensure full contact.
- Test conditions: Apply a force of 0.50 ± 0.01 N (or another agreed force), maintain for 5–10 minutes before heating, and provide a constant gas flow (dry air, high-purity N2 or inert gas) typically 50–100 ml/min. Heat at a constant rate not exceeding 5 K/min.
- Results: Tp is read from the TMA curve. If multiple stages occur, report Tp for each stage. Report the mean of at least two measurements to the nearest whole degree.
Applications
- Quality control of thermoplastic grades to detect changes in softening behavior.
- Material selection and comparison in product development and failure analysis.
- Research on polymer formulations, additives and processing effects where softening or penetration characteristics are critical.
- Regulatory and certification testing where standardized thermal-mechanical properties are required.
Practical value: The procedure provides a reproducible metric for softening behavior, enabling laboratories to compare materials and verify production consistency using clear instrument setup and reporting rules.
Related Standards
- ISO 11359-1: General principles for thermomechanical analysis (TMA).
- ISO 291: Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing (referenced for specimen conditioning).
- ISO 472: Plastics - Vocabulary (terms and definitions).
For test reporting, ISO 11359-3:2019 specifies essential items such as sample identification, apparatus model, probe and specimen geometry, conditioning, heating rate, atmosphere, calibration materials, measured Tp (mean value), and any deviations from the standard procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 11359-3:2019 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Plastics - Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) - Part 3: Determination of penetration temperature". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for the determination of the penetration temperature of thermoplastics using thermomechanical analysis (TMA). NOTE This method can also be used to measure the softening point.
This document specifies a method for the determination of the penetration temperature of thermoplastics using thermomechanical analysis (TMA). NOTE This method can also be used to measure the softening point.
ISO 11359-3:2019 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ISO 11359-3:2019 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ISO 11359-3:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ISO 11359-3:2019 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11359-3
Second edition
2019-02
Plastics — Thermomechanical
analysis (TMA) —
Part 3:
Determination of penetration
temperature
Plastiques — Analyse thermomécanique (TMA) —
Partie 3: Détermination de la température de pénétration
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
6 Test specimen . 2
6.1 Preparation . 2
6.2 Conditioning . 2
7 Procedure. 2
7.1 Calibration of apparatus . 2
7.2 Measurement . 2
8 Expression of results . 3
9 Precision . 3
10 Test report . 3
Bibliography . 5
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 5, Physical-
chemical properties.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 11359-3:2002), which has been
technically revised. The main changes compared to the previous edition are as
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