Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Differential Scanning Calorimetry measures the heat flow between a sample and an inert reference during a controlled temperature program. The power required to maintain a constant heating rate reflects the sample’s heat capacity and any thermodynamic transitions, such as melting, crystallisation, or glass transition. DSC is widely used in polymer analysis and other materials research where thermal behaviour is of interest.
The technique is particularly valuable for polymers, but also applicable to pharmaceuticals, composites, and other materials where thermal transitions are relevant.
Applications:
DSC is a versatile technique with broad applications in materials science. Common uses include:
- Glass transition temperature (Tg) – identifying softening points in polymers
- Melting and crystallisation – characterising phase changes and thermal history
- Cure monitoring – tracking cross-linking and reaction progress in thermosets
- Heat capacity measurements – useful for both academic and industrial studies
- Thermal stability – assessing degradation or decomposition behaviour
Instrument Overview
The Thermal Characterisation Facility uses a TA Instruments DSC 2500, equipped with an autosampler and Modulated DSC capability. The system is suitable for routine measurements and more advanced studies requiring high sensitivity or complex thermal analysis.
Specifications
- Temperature range: –90 °C to 550 °C (standard), extendable to –180 °C with LN₂ cooling
- Sample types: solids, powders, liquids
- Typical sample mass: 1–10 mg
- Autosampler: 54-position carousel for unattended operation
- Modulated DSC: available for separation of reversible and non-reversible events
- High-temperature option: up to 1500 °C with simultaneous TGA (separate instrument)
Modulated DSC (MDSC)
For samples exhibiting overlapping or subtle transitions, introduces a sinusoidal temperature modulation atop the linear ramp. This allows separation of reversible events (like Tg) from non-reversible ones (such as enthalpic relaxation or chemical reactions), enhancing resolution and interpretability in complex systems.