Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Selecting Experimental Conditions
• During first heat the maximum temperature must be
higher than the melting peak end; eventually an
isothermal period must be introduced
– too high temperature/time: decomposition could
occur
– too low temperature/time: possibly subsequent
memory effect because of the fact that crystalline
order is not completely destroyed
• For non-crystallizable (amorphous) thermoplastics the
maximum temperature should be slightly above Tg
(removal of relaxation effects, avoid decomposition)
Thermosetting Polymers
A + B C
Thermosetting polymers react (cross-link) irreversibly.
A+B will give out heat (exothermic) when they crosslink
(cure). After cooling and reheating C will have only
a glass transition Tg.
GLUE