Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The DSC experiment provides a graph of energy flow vs. temperature for thermal transitions in materials. The transitions that can be measured include melting point, boiling points, glass transition temperatures, heats of reaction, thermal and oxidative stability, and kinetics and energetics of some cure reactions.

Micro-Scan Services, Inc. offers DSC analysis using a Perkin-Elmer DSC-4, which is capable of temperatures from -65 to 600 C. The standard sample container is a disposable aluminum pan and cap combination, but special materials such as gold, platinum, or graphite can be used at additional cost. The analysis is normally run in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere except for determinations of oxidative stability where air is used. Sample size is typically 10 milligrams or less, but more should be provided to facilitate handling.

APPLICATIONS

POLYMERS

Glass transition temperatures (T_g), crystalline melting temperature (T_m), degree of crystallinity and heat of fusion, oxidative stability, heats and kinetics of polymerization reactions.

ELECTRONICS

Determination of cure in epoxy prepegs, solder mask cure analysis, cure kinetics of thermoset encapsulants.

INORGANIC MATERIALS & MINERALS

Melting points, energy and temperatures of dehydration or other small molecule loss, secondary transitions.

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