Three-Omega Characterization System

Determining the time- and temperature-dependent thermal material properties of viscous materials such as gels, pastes and liquids is methodologically very challenging. In particular, the thermal conductivity and diffusivity can often only be determined precisely with considerable effort. TOCS uses the 3-omega method to determine both material parameters and enables the thermal characterization of liquid to viscous material samples within a few minutes. The samples are simply placed on the innovative, easy-to-use characterization chip and the values for thermal conductivity and diffusivity are determined using TOCS' convenient electrical measurement program.

A straightforward approach

TOCS is a complete solution that includes characterization chips, chip holder, electronics and user-friendly measurement and analysis software. The system is ready to use, and a material sample can be characterized within a few minutes.

The glass chips are disposable but can preferably be cleaned and reused. The chip holder is compact and is inserted into the rack like a key card. For measurements at higher temperatures, the chips contain two heating elements on opposite sides, which enable heating up to 180°C.

The analysis software offers simple control over the entire measurement process, which is completed with just a few keystrokes. Thanks to a magnetic clip system, changing chips and samples is a matter of seconds.

On-chip heating

TOCS works with Nanotest's characterization chips as standard, which contain three identical sensors and two meander-shaped heating elements that can either generate a homogeneous but elevated temperature at the sample or create a temperature gradient through the sample.

This makes it possible to test material under different conditions, monitor curing behaviour and measure temperature dependence with three sensors simultaneously, providing 3 independent results.

Our Chip

·  Borosilicate glass chip

·  12 × 12 mm² size

·  Three 3-omega sensor structures

·  Two independent heaters

·  Low-budget consumable

Examples

Thermal conductivity and diffusivity

The bi-directional model fit of the 3-omega method simultaneously yields thermal conductivity and diffusivity of the tested material. Thermal conductivity, in particular, is available within a minute.

Your system, your rules

Curing and measuring in-situ yields thermal characteristics with high thermal and time resolution. The shown example is a common epoxy curing at room temperature.