Differential
Scanning Calorimetry – Principle of Operation
Differential
Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is one of the most frequently used techniques
in the field of thermal characterization of solids and liquids.
The
method can be used for the analysis of energetic effects such as:
melting/crystallization
behavior
solid-solid
reactions
polymorphism
degree
of crystallinity
glass
transitions
cross-linking
reactions
oxidative
stability
decomposition
behavior
purity
determination
specific
heat
Applying
this technique, a sample is placed inside a crucible which is then
placed inside the measurement cell (furnace) of the DSC system along
with a reference pan which is normally empty. By applying a controlled
temperature program (isothermal, heating or cooling at constant rates),
phase changes can be characterized and/or the specific heat of a
material can be determined.
Rapid
analysis, easy handling and high significance for research, development
and quality control are only some of the advantages of this analytical
technique. Many standards (ASTM, DIN, ISO, etc.) are available for
specific material-, product- and characteristic-oriented applications,
evaluations and interpretations.
The new DSC 200 F3 Maia® com-bines the advantages
of modern technology, high sensitivity and a robust, easy-to-operate
work horse. Tests can be carried out in the temperature range between –150
and 600°C.
The
key components of the DSC 200 F3 Maia® are
the new DSC heat flux sensor and a new furnace.
The
sensor of the DSC 200 F3 Maia® combines high stability,
improved resolution and fast response time. Laser-guided welding
processes for the sensor disks and thermocouple wires yield true
sensitivity and robustness.
The
heating wires of the newly developed furnace surround the entire
sensor plate. They are arranged in such a way that no temperature
gradients occur in or above the sensor disk. This arrangement is
the basis for a highly homogeneous heat flow to the sample and reference
pans from all sides and therefore also for a highly stable baseline
and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Protective and purge gas
inlets are, of course, standard features of the unit.
For
improved cooling times and sub-ambient temperature tests, various
cooling options such as forced air, mechanical, or liquid nitrogen
cooling systems are available. Of course, an automatic sample changer
or a versatile gas switching and flow control system are also available.
NETZSCH offers
precision thermal analysis instruments including advanced dilatometers (with
a new basic R&D/QC dilatometer),
classical DSC & TGA (with
a new economical DSC), high temperature DSC
to 1650°C for specific heat, very high temperature STA
(TGA-DSC/DTA) to 2400°C (featuring the new STA
409-PC Luxx®), thermal
/ evolved gas analysis with fully-integrated FTIR & MS, plus
high resolution TMA and DMA.
We also feature leading technology for thermal conductivity and diffusivity measurement
as well as refractories testing including HMOR, CIC, and RUL.
