Thermal Analysis Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
Differential scanning calorimetric or DSC is a thermo analytical technique in which the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and reference is measured as a function of temperature. Thermal analysis provides polymers and plastics properties data, measuring changes in polymer or plastic materials with temperature and time. Thermal analysis helps to understand process history and physical properties of materials.
Using DSC following are commonly determined:
- Melting point
- Glass Transition
- Heat Capacity
- Crystallization
- Thermal stability
- Decomposition Temperature
- Purity of materials
- Oxidative Induction Times (OIT)
Combined with FTIR analysis, a DSC thermal scan can be used to help further identify certain types of materials by their melting points and is a useful tool for checking plastic parts or resins for contamination not seen by FTIR. It is also used to characterize materials for their thermal performance.
