TERMO
THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES CHARACTERIZATION LABORATORY

Responsible Researcher: Mónica Oliveira

The Thermophysical Properties Characterization Laboratory (TERMO) specializes in the measurement, analysis and modelling of the thermophysical properties of materials, supporting research activities, product development, quality control and performance validation under real and accelerated conditions.

Core Competencies

• Advanced thermal characterization of solid, liquid and composite materials.
• Determination of thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity using the Transient Plane Source (TPS) method with Hot‑Disk equipment.
• Thermal analysis (DSC) to assess thermal transitions (Tg, Tm, Tc), stability, heat capacity and degradation phenomena.
• Rheological and thermomechanical testing (DMTA) to study temperature‑dependent behaviour, viscoelasticity and dynamic‑mechanical response.
• Accelerated ageing tests for assessing durability, thermal stability and long‑term material behaviour.
• Determination of density and related properties using precision densimetry.
• Moisture sorption and desorption analysis (DVS) for studying hygroscopic behaviour and material–environment interactions.
• Technical and scientific support for R&D projects, new‑material development, process development and compliance validation with relevant standards.

Relevant Additional Information

• Accelerated ageing chamber for simulating thermal and environmental cycles.
• Hot‑Disk equipment for simultaneous measurement of thermal properties using the TPS method.
• High‑precision DSC from TA Instruments.
• Rotational rheometer with integrated DMTA module from Anton Paar.
• Precision densimeter and DVS (Dynamic Vapor Sorption) system for studying moisture–material interactions.
• Possibility of integrating results with other TEMA laboratories, enabling complementary mechanical, rheological and structural analyses.