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The measured physical property and the corresponding thermal analysis technique
are cited in Table 1. Note that the technique called “Emanation thermal analysis” (ETA)
and “Thermoparticulate analysis” could well be inserted into the category of techniques
used to measure mass. As can be seen in the table, other properties that can be
determined by means of thermal analysis, in addition to direct thermal properties, are
e.g.: mechanical properties (thermal expansion, softening, …), catalysis, corrosion, phase
transformations and equilibriums.
As Wendlandt [1980], Liptay [1982] or Dunn [1980] observe in their surveys of the
types of thermal analysis techniques used and their applications in numerous areas of
research, the most widely used techniques are TG and DTA, followed by DSC and TMA.
Materials that are the most frequently studied are inorganic ones, high polymers, metals
and metallic alloys, and organic substances. Thermal analysis is used for supportive
research relating to quality control, troubleshooting and for innovative research into
processes, base materials, materials and products. According to Lombardi [1980], there
were some 10,000 thermoanalytical instruments used throughout the world at the outset
of 1990s.
Thermal analysis has become the most frequently used polymer characterization
method.
Prior to 1969-1970, thermal analysis papers were published in a large number of
international scientific journals, making a literature search very time-consuming, as notes
Wendlandt [1986]. In 1969, the Journal of Thermal Analysis was founded by Buzagh and
Simon in Hungary. In 1970, the Thermochimica Acta journal was founded (by
Wendlandt). As an illustration of the growth of publications on the subject matter of
thermal analysis, it can be mentioned that the Thermochimica Acta has increased its
volume from about 400 pages in 1970 to over 3600 pages in 1983. Two useful abstracting
journals are available: Thermal Analysis Abstracts (Heyden & Sons, London), and
Chemical Abstracts CA Selects: Thermal Analysis (Chemical Abstracts Service,
Columbus, Ohio, USA).
In the present outline, the state of the arts of thermal analysis will be briefly discussed
with a focus on recent literature. For a more detailed description of the historical
developments and reflections about possible future trends, the article of Mathot [2000] is
recommended.
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