Thermal analyses

Description of the method

Thermal analysis examines the properties and changes in materials as a function of temperature. Several methods are distinguished: 

• DSC(Dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry) andDTA (Differential Thermal Analysis): measurement of heat released or absorbed during heating, determination of phase transitions
• TGA(thermogravimetry): change in mass of a sample as a function of temperature or time
• DMA(Dynamic Mechanical Analysis): Analysis of the viscoelasticity of polymers
• DMTA(Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis) under strain: the sample is subjected to tensile forces to determine viscoelastic properties

The methods can be coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS) to identify the decomposition products. 

Applicationexamples 

• DTA:Investigation of mineral materials, e.g. the dewatering of clays and the formation of clinker phases in cement raw meals, measurement of the heat of reaction during the combustion of organic materials, characterisation of plastics
• DSC:Determination of melting and crystallisation enthalpies, measurement of specific heat capacity, quantification of reaction enthalpies, purity determination via melting point depression
• TGA:Analysis of thermal stability and oxidation stability, compositional analysis, determination of moisture, volatile components and ash, analysis of minerals and their decomposition behaviour, purity determination, water content in hydrates and salts, solvent residues
• DMA:Determination of glass transition temperature and rheological properties of plastics
• DMTA under strain: Fibre characterisation, temperature stability, ageing and strain behaviour of fibres

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