Calorimetric Mechanism
Thermoanalytical techniques measure the difference in the heat flow required to increase the temperature of a sample and a reference as a function of temperature. In materials science, differential scanning calorimetry identifies phase transitions such as melting and crystallization. The instrument maintains both the sample and the reference at nearly the same temperature throughout the experiment.
It provides a precise record of the energy absorbed or released during chemical or physical changes.
Power Compensation
The sensor consists of a furnace containing two identical pans, one holding the specimen and the other usually empty. As the heat is applied, differential scanning calorimetry tracks the power compensation needed to keep the temperatures equal. An endothermic process, like the melting of a crystal, requires more heat to be delivered to the sample pan.
Conversely, an exothermic reaction like curing or oxidation releases heat, which the system detects as a decrease in the required power.
Transition Analysis
Data from the test appears as a plot of heat flow against temperature, where peaks and steps reveal the thermal history of the material. The area under a peak corresponds to the enthalpy of the transition, such as the heat of fusion. For polymers, differential scanning calorimetry is the standard method for determining the degree of crystallinity.
It also measures the onset of decomposition when the sample is heated beyond its stability limit. Calibration with high purity metals like indium ensures that the temperature scale and the heat flow measurements are accurate.
Evaluation Scope
Small sample sizes are sufficient to produce clear results, making this a common tool for quality control. It identifies contaminants that shift the expected melting point or change the shape of the thermal curve.