Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC analysis) in a laboratory
In many industrial sectors – including polymers, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics ... – understanding the thermal behavior of materials is essential to ensure their performance, stability, and regulatory compliance.
DSC analysis allows for precise measurement of a material's thermal transitions, making it possible to assess its physicochemical properties as a function of temperature.
FILAB supports your R&D, quality control, or failure analysis projects by providing tailored differential scanning calorimetry (DSC analysis) to meet your industrial needs.
Your needs : to analyze your substance/material using DSC calorimetric analysis
What is DSC calorimetric analysis ?
DSC analysis is a thermal analysis technique.
A calorimetric analysis measures the heat released or absorbed by a substance during a chemical or physical process. The heat is measured using a calorimeter.
DSC analysis, also known as Differential Scanning Calorimetry, specifically measures the difference in heat flow between a sample and a reference as a function of temperature or time.
This technique is used to understand molecular processes and chemical reactions by studying heat exchanges.
The principles of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC analysis)
DSC analysis measures the heat exchange between a sample and a reference to identify the thermal transitions of a material.
Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of polymers, metallic glass and ionic liquids.
Determine the crosslinking rate of certain polymers by measuring the enthalpy of reaction.
Melting temperature and crystallization temperature of different materials
Why perform a DSC thermal analysis?
DSC calorimetric analysis can be used to study a wide variety of materials, including DSC analysis of polymers, metals, ceramics, composites, and pharmaceuticals.
DSC analysis is used to measure the heat changes in a sample while it is subjected to a series of controlled conditions. This allows the determination of:
Determining the phase transitions of a material by DSC analysis
DSC calorimetric analysis (DSC analysis) allows the determination of a material’s phase transitions:
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymers, metallic glasses, and ionic liquids
The melting and crystallization temperatures of materials
Our solutions: the FILAB laboratory can help you carry out DSC analysis of your materials to determine phase transition temperatures
FILAB , expert in DSC analysis
Using the DSC analysis technique, FILAB can measure the amount of heat absorbed or released by a sample when it is subjected to changes in temperature or pressure.
By measuring the heat differences between a reference sample and a test sample, this technique provides accurate information for material characterization.
The results of DSC analyses are widely used in fields such as the pharmaceutical industry and the formulation of chemical products. Understanding this technique is essential for accurate assessment of the thermal properties of materials, as well as for developing new products and solving problems encountered in production processes.
the enthalpies of reaction
thermal constants
the properties of bonding and molecular structure
The results of the analysis allow us to understand the thermal properties of materials, such as their melting point, glass transition point and crystallization point.
Our technical ressources for DSC analysis
At FILAB, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis is performed under an inert gas atmosphere (argon or nitrogen), preventing any unwanted reactions with the ambient air during testing. This ensures the reliability and accuracy of the results.
DSC analysis works by measuring the difference in heat flow between a sample and an inert reference when both are subjected to a controlled heating or cooling program. This differential heat flow is recorded as a function of temperature and reveals thermal transitions such as melting, crystallization, or chemical reactions.
Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art differential scanning calorimeters, specifically designed for high-precision DSC analysis. The results are displayed as peaks on a thermogram, providing detailed insights into the sample’s thermal properties.
Whether for R&D, quality control, or failure investigation, FILAB delivers reliable DSC analysis for all types of materials.
Our services
Calorimetric analysis and enthalpy analysis by DSC
Enthalpy analysis and calorimetric analysis by dsc are two complementary approaches used to study the thermal transitions of materials.
While enthalpy analysis focuses on enthalpy variations for in-depth studies of thermodynamics, calorimetric analysis meets more operational needs, such as characterising heat flows to assess thermal stability, crystallinity or reaction kinetics.
DSC analysis for chemical analysis
DSC is a technique used for chemical analysis, either alone or in conjunction with other methods. It is used to provide quantitative information on the thermal and energetic properties of materials in various contexts:
Study of chemical reactions: detection of endothermic (fusion, sublimation) and exothermic (oxidation, polymerisation) phenomena.
Thermal stability analysis: determination of critical degradation or oxidation temperatures.
Characterization of mixtures: Identification of interactions between components, such as eutectic reactions or incompatibilities.
Optimisation of formulations: évaluation of additives, stabilisers or solvents to improve thermal performance.
Complementarity with other methods, DSC can be integrated with analyses such as :
Thermogravimetry (TG): to couple heat flow data with mass losses.
Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) or Mass Spectrometry (MS): to identify volatile products resulting from thermal transitions or reactions.
By providing precise, quantitative measurements, DSC is a powerful tool for understanding the chemical and thermal behaviour of materials in fields such as materials chemistry, pharmaceuticals and polymers.
Dsc analysis of plastics
DSC is essential for the thermal analysis of plastics, offering precise characterisation of thermal properties such as glass transition (Tg), melting (Tm) and crystallisation (Tc). This analysis technique helps to optimise industrial processes (extrusion, injection) by assessing thermal stability and the degree of crystallinity, guaranteeing performance suited to applications in the automotive, packaging and electronics industries. In R&D, it supports the development of new materials, and in quality control, it ensures conformity and detects variations or failures.
DSC for protein analysis
DSC is a key method for characterizing the thermal properties of proteins, such as their stability, denaturation and interactions. It determines the denaturation temperature and enthalpy to assess structural robustness and intramolecular forces. It can also be used to analyse stabilisers, buffers or ligands to optimise formulations.
Industrial applications
- Pharmaceuticals: optimising the stability of therapeutic proteins and vaccines.
- Biomolecular research: analysis of denaturation mechanisms and conformational transitions in proteins.
Our services and other thermal analysis techniques
FILAB laboratory guarantees a fast processing of your DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) analysis needs with reliable and clear results, as well as a personalized support to its customers.
FAQ
Differential Scanning Calorimetry is a useful technique that provides valuable information on the thermal stability of a wide variety of materials. It can be used to compare different production batches or materials of different composition and ensure that they meet certain standards. Differential enthalpy analysis is essential for understanding the physical processes that take place at different temperatures. This allows industry professionals to assess the performance of a product.
TGA and DSC analysis are two thermal analysis techniques commonly used in the characterization of materials.
TGA is a thermogravimetric analysis that measures changes in the mass of a sample as a function of temperature.
DSC analysis is a technique designed to measure the differences in energy supplied or absorbed during a physical or chemical change in a solid or liquid.
There are several methods for studying the thermal properties of materials, which differ in the way they are measured.
DTA, or differential thermal analysis, measures the temperature differences between a sample and a reference material when they are subjected to identical thermal variations, cooling or heating.
DSC, or differential scanning calorimetry, identifies and quantifies the heat flow during enthalpy changes as a function of time and temperature of the sample compared to a reference material.
Enthalpy is a thermodynamic quantity that characterises the energy state of a system, taking into account its internal energy and heat content. It is used to measure the amount of energy exchanged during a reaction or thermal transformation, which is essential for understanding the physical and chemical properties of the materials studied. Enthalpy is used in particular to determine the stability of certain compounds, or to assess the heat capacity of different substances.
During a change of state or a chemical reaction, the energy exchanged is measured using enthalpy.
DSC analysis can be applied to a wide variety of materials, each with distinct issues and characteristics that this technique helps to understand or resolve. Here are some examples of materials frequently analysed by DSC:
>Polymers: to study glass transition temperatures, crystallinity and melting behaviour. DSC is used to develop new polymers and improve heat treatment processes.
>Pharmaceuticals: Used to examine the thermal stability of drugs, interactions between the components of a formulation, and the purity of active compounds.
>Foods: Used to analyse the phase transitions of fats and proteins, which is important for product formulation, quality control and preservation research.
>Metals and alloys: DSC can help determine phase transformations, alloying reactions and annealing properties.
>Ceramics: To assess sintering processes and phase transitions that affect mechanical and thermal properties.
>Composites: Analysis of components and reactions between reinforcements and matrices.
>Medical devices: Used in tissue engineering or implants, DSC can analyse the thermal properties that influence degradation and stability.
These applications show that DSC is a versatile technique, applicable to almost any type of material where thermal transitions or calorimetric properties are of interest.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a technique that measures the heat absorbed or released by a sample when it is heated or cooled. It can be used to detect phase changes or chemical reactions by comparing the sample with an inert reference. This method is used to analyse the thermal properties of various materials such as polymers and drugs.
Thermal analysis encompasses a variety of methods used to study the responses of materials to changes in temperature, while calorimetric analysis, a sub-service of thermal analysis, specifically measures the amounts of heat absorbed or released.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a precise calorimetric technique that compares the thermal response of a sample to that of an inert reference under controlled temperature conditions, allowing the detection of thermal transitions such as melting and chemical reactions.
Differential enthalpy analysis (DSC) measures heat changes in a sample relative to an inert reference, as they are heated or cooled. This technique identifies thermal transitions such as melting temperature or crystallization through peaks on a thermogram, allowing the thermal properties of the sample to be characterized.
DSC analysis is essential in several fields to evaluate the thermal properties of materials and resolve specific problems.
In pharmacy, it is used to test the stability of formulations, study interactions between ingredients, and check the purity of active ingredients and excipients.
In the plastics industry, polymer DSC analysis helps determine the thermal behavior, glass transition temperature, and crystallinity of materials, which is useful for new product development and manufacturing process improvement .
In material characterization, this method makes it possible to analyze alloys, ceramics, and composites to optimize their properties according to targeted applications.
A DSC analyzer (Differential Scanning Calorimetry, or DSC analysis instrument) is a thermal measurement device used to study the physico-chemical transitions of a material as a function of temperature. It accurately measures the amount of heat absorbed or released by a sample during heating, cooling, or isothermal conditions. This tool is particularly valuable for characterizing polymer materials, composites, resins, and certain pharmaceutical products.
DSC analysis enables the characterization of thermal transitions in a material (such as melting, crystallization, glass transition, etc.), assessment of its thermal stability, degree of crosslinking, and quality control. It is essential in R&D, quality assurance, and failure analysis.
The DSC test involves subjecting a sample to a controlled temperature increase or decrease while comparing its thermal behavior to that of an inert reference. The resulting heat flow variations help identify and quantify major thermal events such as melting, crystallization, polymerization, or degradation.
The test is conducted according to specific standards (e.g., ISO 11357 for polymers) to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
The DSC protocol refers to the set of experimental conditions defined for a differential scanning calorimetry test, including:
- Temperature range analyzed
- Heating or cooling rate
- Atmosphere (nitrogen, air, argon, etc.)
- Type of crucible used
- Sample preparation
At FILAB, we define a tailor-made DSC protocol based on your industrial needs, the nature of the material to be analyzed, and applicable standards, in order to ensure actionable results for your projects.
