New trends in differential scanning calorimetry

Recent applications of differential scanning calorimetry in the study of solid–solid transformations are presented. The importance of the deconvolution of the thermograms and of the modelling of the calorimetric equipment is stressed.Investigations of the phase transformations of the martensitic type in shape-memory alloys have made clear the influence of thermomechanical treatment of the material and have evaluated the influence of defects on the dynamics of transformation. A combination of calorimetric and acoustical observations has demonstrated irreversibilities, even in the so-called thermoelastic transitions. Keywords: martensitic transformation, differential scanning calorimetry, entropy production, thermomechanical treatments, acoustic emission.