As we prepared to post the last entry on glass transition temperature we figured that somehow we would get drawn back to the topic of polymer testing. Apparently we figured correctly because someone just asked us about differential scanning calorimetry.

Wikipedia defines differential scanning calorimetry in the following manner:

Differential scanning calorimetry or DSC is a thermoanalytical technique in which the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and reference are measured as a function of temperature. ( source )

Scientists use differential scanning calorimetry to detect phase transitions during which more (or less) heat energy will flow into the sample than into a reference material in order for both samples to remain at the same temperature. This technique relies heavily upon the scientists knowing the specific heat capacity of the reference material.

Whether less or more heat must flow to the sample depends on whether the process is exothermic or endothermic. For example, as a solid sample melts to a liquid it will require more heat flowing to the sample to increase its temperature at the same rate as the reference. This is due to the absorption of heat by the sample as it undergoes the endothermic phase transition from solid to liquid. Likewise, as the sample undergoes exothermic processes (such as crystallization) less heat is required to raise the sample temperature. By observing the difference in heat flow between the sample and reference, differential scanning calorimeters are able to measure the amount of heat absorbed or released during such transitions. DSC may also be used to observe more subtle phase changes, such as glass transitions. ( source )

With regard to the matter of having a material analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, we found a company called Polymathic Analytical Laboratories and they appear to have the equipment needed to perform that sort of testing. Thier web site lists their web address as www.polymathiclabs.com and their phone number as 866-272-4710.

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