Melting temperature, crystallization, glass transition, determination of degree of crystallinity

Measurements are conducted using the differential scanning calorimetry method consisting of determination of the amount of heat transferred or intercepted from a given sample, in a time unit needed to maintain identical temperature of the sample and a neutral thermal reference (empty crucible), during heating up or cooling at a constant temperature. The proportionality of the measurement signal to the thermal flux occurring in the DSC enables the direct measurement of thermal capacity and the determination of the cp (T) relationship, and thus the quantitative "observation" of the transformation of the sample material based on the shape of the DSC curve. The thermal flux value (dH/dt) depends, above all, on the type of transformation or thermal reaction occurring in the sample and, what furthermore on instrumental measurement factors.
 

Equipment

  • The laboratory possesses a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC):
    • TA Instruments model Q2000
    • equipment temperature range: from -90°C to 550°C
    • cooling module (intracooler) RCS (without using liquid nitrogen)
 

Testing norms

  • ASTM D3418
  • ASTM E1356
  • PN-EN ISO 11357-1
  • ISO 11357-2
  • ISO 11357-3
 

Client norms

  • VW, Renault, PSA, Ford and others
Document No. Title/Description
ASTM D3418 Standard Test Method for Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
ASTM E1356 Standard Test Method for Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperatures by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
PN-EN ISO 11357-1 Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) - Part 1: General principles
ISO 11357-2 Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) - Part 2: Determination of glass transition temperature and glass transition step height
ISO 11357-3 Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) - Part 3: Determination of temperature and enthalpy of melting and crystallization