Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
A Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) is an instrument which accurately measures the heat absorbed or given off from a sample as a function of temperature. Such thermal parameters as the Glass Transition Temperature (TG) (which is the temperature at which a glassy material begins to flow), the melting temperature, and the enthalpy of melting can all be measured by DSC. Our main interest will be the melting temperatures and glass transitions of polymer samples, however, the DSC can measure thermal properties for crystalline organic compounds and liquids as well. DSC data is most often used in conjunction with TGA data (which gives weight loss as a function of temperature) and FTIR data, which provides the identity of a polymer sample. Such thermal parameters as the glass transition, melting point, and decomposition temperature are useful to engineers who must select polymers to withstand a given thermal environment.
Latest Resources
- June 25, 2009 - Case History: Wind Turbine Manufacturer –
Case history from Metallurgical Department of NHML.
- June 25, 2009 - Case History: Serrated Austenitic Screws – Case history from Metallurgical Department of NHML
- June 25, 2009 - Case History: Weld Exams – Case history from Materials Department of NHML
- June 25, 2009 - Applied Chemistry: Metals
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- April 1, 2008 - Nuts & Bolts, Volume 25 – Glass Vial Sprinkler Accidents & Passivation
- April 1, 2007 - Nuts & Bolts, Volume 24 – Embrittlement of Steels
- May 1, 2006 - Nuts & Bolts, Volume 23 – Hydrolysis of Fiberglass
- June 1, 2005 - Nuts & Bolts, Volume 22 – High Cycle Fatigue