Thermal Analysis of Polymers

Abstract Thermal analysis is defined by the International Confederation of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ICTAC) as “a group of techniques in which a property of a sample is monitored against time or temperature while the temperature of the sample, in a specified atmosphere, is programmed.” The principal techniques employed are differential thermal analysis (DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and dielectric analysis (DEA). Chemical reactions and phase transitions as well as mechanical, acoustical, electrical, and optical properties, can be studied and evaluated by thermal analysis. Additional uses include quality control, determination of heat capacity, thermal expansion, thermal and oxidative stability, crystallization rates, phase separation, and numerous others. This article describes the techniques, data interpretation, and applications of the method.