Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Testing

Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research provides Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Testing to measure a number of characteristic properties of a sample. Using this technique, we can observe fusion and crystallization events as well as glass transition temperatures. DSC can also be used to study oxidation, as well as other chemical reactions. The result of a DSC experiment is a curve of heat flux versus temperature or versus time.”

Expedited Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Services Are Available - Contact Us Today at 724-537-3131


          • Accreditations: NADCAP since 1992, A2LA and ISO 17025
          • Capable of Temperature Range of -58ºF to 1292ºF
 

What is Differential Scanning Calorimetry Used For?

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal analysis technique that Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research uses to measure the amount of energy absorbed or released by a sample when it is heated or cooled, providing quantitative and qualitative data on endothermic and exothermic processes.

 


DSC

 

The Following Graph Represents Plotting of Solidus / Liquidus Temperature and normalized Heat of Reaction


dsc-melt

 


Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Standardized Tests

ASTM D3418

ASTM E1356

ASTM E1269

ISO 11357



ASTM D3418

Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Test Method

This test method consists of heating or cooling the test material at a controlled rate under a specified purge gas at a controlled flow rate and continuously monitoring with a suitable sensing device the difference in heat input between a reference material and a test material due to energy changes in the material. A transition is marked by absorption or release of energy by the specimen resulting in a corresponding endothermic or exothermic peak or baseline shift in the heating or cooling curve. Areas under the crystallization exotherm or fusion endotherm of the test materials are compared against the respective areas obtained by the treatment of a well-characterized standard.

Test Specimen

  • Powdered or Granular Specimens
  • Molded or Pelleted Specimens
  • Film or Sheet Specimens

Significance and Use

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provides a rapid test method for determining changes in specific heat capacity in a homogeneous material. The glass transition is manifested as a step change in specific heat capacity. For amorphous and semi-crystalline materials the determination of the glass transition temperature may lead to important information about their thermal history, processing conditions, stability, progress of chemical reactions, and mechanical and electrical behavior.

Need more Information on Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Testing? Contact Us Today at 724-537-3131

 

The Following Graph Represents Plotting of Degree of Cure (DSC) 

degree of cure

ASTM E1356

Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Test Method

This test method involves continuously monitoring the difference in heat flow into, or temperature between a reference material and a test material when they are heated or cooled at a controlled rate through the glass transition region of the test material and analyzing the resultant thermal curve to provide the glass transition temperature.

Test Specimen

  • Powdered or Granular Specimens
  • Molded or Pelleted Specimens
  • Film or Sheet Specimens

Significance

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provides a rapid test method for determining changes in specific heat capacity in a homogeneous material. The glass transition is manifested as a step change in specific heat capacity. For amorphous and semi-crystalline materials the determination of the glass transition temperature may lead to important information about their thermal history, processing conditions, stability, progress of chemical reactions, and mechanical and electrical behavior

ASTM E1269

Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Heat Capacity by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Test Method

This test method consists of heating the test material at a controlled rate in a controlled atmosphere through the region of interest. The difference in heat flow into the test material and a reference material or blank due to energy changes in the material is continually monitored and recorded.



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