Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) in the laboratory

What is differential thermal analysis (DTA)?

First of all, differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a method of materials analysis. 

Indeed, DTA allows to measure the temperature variation between the sample under study and a reference during an exo- or endothermic reaction. It is thus possible to study, among other things, phase transitions and diagrams, the glass transition, polymerisation, crystallisation, melting, sublimation, etc.

DTA can be used to characterise pharmaceuticals, foods, chemicals and inorganic substances. 

Thus, only a laboratory with state-of-the-art analytical equipment for thermal analysis is able to perform quality differential thermal analysis (DTA).

FILAB supports you in your differential thermal analysis (DTA) needs

FILAB has a 2100m² analytical park and a qualified team. It assists manufacturers from all sectors with their differential thermal analysis (DTA) needs. Thanks to its high level of in-house expertise and tailor-made support, FILAB can offer you solutions tailored to your needs.

The positive aspects of FILAB

  • A highly qualified team

  • Responsiveness in responding to and processing requests

  • A complete analytical park of 2100m²

  • Tailor-made support

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a technique used to analyse the thermal behaviour of materials. It measures the difference in thermal energy absorbed or released by a sample and an inert reference material during heating, cooling or temperature cycling. With DTA, our experts can measure phase transition temperatures, detect chemical reactions and compositional changes, and monitor kinetic parameters such as reaction rate constants. DTA analysis also helps to understand physical properties such as glass transitions, crystallisation processes and decomposition temperatures. The technique can be used for quality control and failure analysis by providing information on defects or impurities in materials. By analysing the response of a material to different thermal conditions, researchers gain information about its structure-function relationships and physical properties.

DTA analysis measures the heat flow between a sample and a reference material. The two materials are placed in an instrument where they are heated or cooled together at a uniform rate. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature difference between the two materials, which is recorded over time. By tracing this record of thermal activity, our teams can identify events such as phase transitions, glass transitions, crystallisation processes and chemical reactions that occur during the heating or cooling of the sample.

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a powerful technique for analysing the behaviour of materials at different temperatures. It provides essential information on compositional changes and physical properties of samples. This information can be used for quality control and failure analysis. Filab can assist you with your thermal analysis needs.

DTA analysis should be performed if you need to understand the behaviour of your sample under different thermal conditions or if you want to identify impurities or defects. It is often used in failure analysis to determine the root cause of product failures. For example, differential thermal analysis can be used to analyse how the structure and composition of a material changes when exposed to high temperatures. Filab's experts are ready to help you with your DTA needs!

Thomas ROUSSEAU
Thomas ROUSSEAU Scientific and Technical Director
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