Calorimetric analysis in laboratory
You wish to analyze your materials by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)?
What is Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)?
Thermal analysis method, the DSC measures the heat difference between the sample studied and a reference (control).
The DSC analysis allows to determine the transition temperature from one chemical state to another. Indeed, it allows to determine the glass transition temperature of polymers.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry allows to determine the cross-linking rate of a polymer by measuring the enthalpy of reaction.
The analysis by differential scanning calorimetry are carried out under sweeping of an inert gas (argon or nitrogen) to avoid any potential reaction.
Applications of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
DSC analysis is widely used across multiple industries:
- Polymers and Plastics: Determination of Tg, melting temperature (Tm), crystallization temperature (Tc), and degree of crystallinity.
- Pharmaceuticals: Evaluation of protein denaturation, polymorphic transitions, and formulation stability.
- Composites and Resins: Measurement of curing reaction enthalpies and cross-linking efficiency.
- Metallurgy and Ceramics: Detection of phase transitions and reaction kinetics.
- Energy and Chemistry: Study of reaction enthalpies, thermal degradation and oxidation induction times.
Through Differential Scanning Calorimetry testing, industries can better understand material behavior and optimize production processes.
Why Perform a Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis (DSC)?
Because DSC provides precise data about thermal transitions and enthalpy changes, it is an essential technique for both R&D and quality control.
- In quality assurance, DSC verifies material conformity (for example: Tg, melting point, crystallinity, oxidation stability).
- In research & development, DSC enables the optimisation of new formulations, the study of reaction kinetics, and the evaluation of additives or fillers.
Many international standards regulate DSC testing (such as ISO 11357 and ASTM E793), highlighting its importance for industrial material characterization.
FILAB supports you in the calorimetric analysis of materials by differential scanning calorimetry
Why choose FILAB for your fifferential Scanning Calorimetry needs?
For more than 30 years, our laboratory FILAB has had the experience and the specific analytical equipment to support industrial companies in the analysis of polymers by DSC, through a tailor-made support.
Indeed, through our three levels of services: analysis, expertise and R&D support, FILAB assists companies of all sectors and sizes.
From the implementation of R&D projects to the interpretation of results, FILAB offers you multi-sectoral skills for several types of analysis services
FAQ
Differential Scanning Calorimetry measures the difference in heat flow between a sample and a reference as temperature changes. This allows the determination of key thermal properties such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), crystallisation, and reaction enthalpy.
DSC analysis is suitable for a wide variety of materials including polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, resins and pharmaceutical compounds. It helps assess thermal stability, purity, and cross-linking degree.
In polymer analysis, DSC is essential to determine glass transition, melting, and crystallisation behaviour. It provides insights into the polymer’s structure, processing performance and long-term stability.
DSC measurements are generally conducted under inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) to prevent unwanted oxidation or reactions during heating and cooling cycles.
Absolutely. FILAB’s experts support you from data acquisition to result interpretation, helping you understand what each thermal transition or enthalpy change means for your material or process.
