Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Mettler Toledo DSC 3

Technique:

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to measure enthalpy changes due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of a material as a function of temperature or time. This method allows you to identify or compare materials and to characterize them with regard to their structure or use.

Instrument:

Mettler Toledo DSC 3

System Capabilities:

  • Temperature range: −100 to 700 °C
  • Atmosphere: nitrogen or oxygen gas
  • Heating rate: 0.02 to 300 °C/min
  • Cooling rate: 0.02 to 50 °C/min

Selected Applications in Industry:

  • Measurement of characteristic temperatures of materials (e.g., melting, crystallization, glass transition)
  • Identification or comparison of solids, powders, fibres, and viscous samples such as pastes, creams, or gels
  • Investigation of chemical reactions and kinetics (e.g., how long a material takes to cure (cross-link), vulcanization, influence of stabilizers, plasticizers, or other additives)
  • Thermal stability measurements (e.g., oxidation induction time (OIT), oxidation onset temperature (OOT))
First heating DSC curve of PET, showing the glass transition, cold crystallization peak, and melting peak.
DSC curve of PC-ABS polymer, showing the glass transitions.