What Is Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)?
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis, also referred to as calorimetry or thermal analysis, is a technique that measures how a material’s heat capacity changes in response to heat. It is capable of identifying thermal changes, including glass transition (Tg), melting, crystallization, and curing. It does so by monitoring how much heat the sample absorbs or releases compared to a baseline reference.
At Covalent, we use the TA Instruments Discovery DSC 2500, a high-performance system with modulated DSC capability, which offers rapid response times as well as excellent baseline stability, so you will be able to detect even the most subtle transitions.
Heat Flow Measurement
Heat Flow
Measurement
Monitors the difference in heat absorbed or released by a sample and a reference as temperature changes.
Thermal Event Detection
Thermal Event
Detection
Identifies transitions like glass transition (Tg), melting, crystallization, and curing with high sensitivity.
Wide Operating Range
Wide Operating
Range
Accommodates varied materials and conditions, covering –90 °C to 550 °C under inert or air atmospheres.
Why Use DSC?
DSC testing excels at providing precise, direct measurement of thermal transitions, often with just 5–10 mg of sample. It is the perfect tool needed for understanding polymer behavior, purity changes, or thermal stability in product development and quality control.
For best results, we suggest using DSC instead of TGA when you need heat flow data related to phase transitions rather than mass loss.
Common Applications of DSC Services:
- Measuring glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymers.
- Determining melting and crystallization temperatures.
- Assessing curing behavior and degree of cure in adhesives, composites.
- Quantifying the enthalpy of transitions, whether it’s fusion or crystallization.
- Evaluating compatibility or miscibility in polymer blends.
- Estimating thermal history and purity of materials.
Precise Thermal Profiling
Provides accurate insight into material purity, stability, and phase transitions with just milligrams of sample.
Versatile Material Compatibility
Works effectively with polymers, adhesives, powders, films, and composites for diverse industrial use.
Informed Product Development
Enables better formulation, curing analysis, and process optimization for sectors like energy, packaging, and electronics.
Working Principle
Differential Scanning Calorimetry Services are used across multiple industries, providing critical insights into material behavior. It excels at process optimization and cure analysis when dealing with polymers and composites. In energy and battery, DSC acts as a separator for stability and thermal events in electrolyte films. DSC testing also plays a crucial role in food and packaging, as it provides the glass transition and melting behavior of food-grade polymers.
In a DSC analysis test, a small sample and a reference are heated at the same controlled rate. By comparing their heat flow, the instrument detects thermal events such as glass transition (Tg), melting, crystallization, and curing. Allowing for standard and modulated DSC (MDSC), Covalent’s cutting-edge system offers enhanced resolution of overlapping transitions and improved sensitivity to weak events.
Equipment Used for DSC:
We use the TA Instruments Discovery DSC 2500, which offers an exceptional baseline stability and heat flow sensitivity, automated temperature control, and the ability to handle multiple samples efficiently. For even more improved resolution, there is also the option of using the Modulated DSC (MDSC).
TA Instruments Discovery DSC 2500
- Temperature Range: -90 to 550°C.
- Temperature Accuracy: ± 0.025°C.
- Nitrogen Air Atmosphere.
Key Differentiators
DSC is highly sensitive to heat flow and works with a variety of materials.
- Analytical Output: DSC measures the heat flow in terms of temperature and time, as well as calculates the enthalpy change (J/g) and specific heat capacity.
- Detection Limits: With high heat flow sensitivity, it can detect up to ~0.1 µW.
- Material Compatibility: DSC is able to work with a variety of materials, including polymers, powders, adhesives, thin films, and organics.
- Temperature Range: It is capable of measuring temperature spanning from -90° through 550°C.
- Atmospheres: It works well in environments with Nitrogen (inert) and air.
- Heating and Cooling Rates: 0.01 to 100°C per minute, whether it’s ramped or isothermal.
- Covalent Capabilities: It works with Modulated DSC (MDSC), and can run isothermal tests, which will hold the temperature steady, or dynamic ramp tests, which gradually change the temperature of the sample.
Strengths
- Identifies thermal events with excellent precision and reproducibility.
- Integrates with TGA and complementary spectroscopic techniques for full thermal and chemical characterization.
- Modulated heating separates reversible (Tg) and non-reversible (curing, crystallization) transitions.
- Highly effective for complex or overlapping transitions, making it suitable for advanced material systems.
Limitations
- Cannot detect mass changes; use TGA for volatile loss, decomposition, or outgassing.
- Extremely slow heating rates (<0.5 °C/min) may reduce accuracy.
- Subtle or multiphase thermal events may require additional techniques for clarification.
Unsure Whether DSC Is Right for You?
Reveal what your material’s heat flow is saying with high‑sensitivity, modulated DSC.
Sample Information
Fusion enthalpy and Melting point determination of Indium reference standard.
What we accept:
For best results, we advise that your sample fit the following guidelines:
- Physical Form: Films, powders, pellets, adhesives, and organics.
- Sample Size: Typically 5–10 mg given that it must fit in a DSC pan, which is ~40 µL in volume.
- Sample Prep: The sample should be dry and thermally stable at test conditions. Low volatility is preferred.
- Pan: A standard pan is optimal, although hermetic or vented aluminum pans are available depending on the sample needs.
Use Cases
Polymers & Materials
Measure glass transition and thermal compatibility in polymer blends.
Plastics & Packaging
Characterize crystallinity in semicrystalline plastics like PET and PEEK.
Aerospace & Composites
Study cure kinetics of aerospace-grade adhesives for reliable performance.
Pharmaceuticals
Benchmark thermal stability of formulations for quality control and R&D.
Complementary Techniques
To gain a deeper understanding of the sample, DSC can be used alongside the following methods:
- DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) or TMA(Thermomechanical Analysis) : Used for understanding temperature-dependent mechanical behavior.
- FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and GCMS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): For identifying evolved gases or residuals during the heating process.
- TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis): For measuring mass loss as the material is heated and for detecting decomposition.
- XRD (X-ray Diffraction): Helps understand the structural analysis of crystalline or amorphous content.
What makes DSC services stand out is that it complements these methods by isolating thermal transitions and enthalpic behavior. It often reveals information not accessible by other techniques.
Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA)
Measures material dimension changes with temp, time, or force. Explore
X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
Non-destructive analysis of crystal phases, lattice, and strain. Explore
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
Characterizes thermal and mechanical properties of soft materials. Explore
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Rapid, non-destructive molecular fingerprinting across materials. Explore
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Measures material mass changes with temperature or time. Explore
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Identifies and quantifies small organic molecules in mixtures. Explore
Why Choose Covalent for Your DSC Needs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Identifying the right test can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are some questions we are frequently asked.
What can DSC detect that TGA can’t?
While TGA is for mass loss (e.g., outgassing, decomposition), DSC analysis can detect thermal transitions, including melting, crystallization, Tg, and curing, even when there’s no change in mass.
What heating rates do you offer?
We offer a wide range (0.01–100 °C/min). The most commonly used is 10 °C/min, but we are happy to adjust to your material and test goal.
Can you measure glass transition temperature (Tg)?
Yes, and with high sensitivity too. Especially when using the Modulated DSC to isolate the weak transitions.
What turnaround time can I expect?
The typical turnaround is 5 business days, but we also offer rushed options based on complexity and volume.
What sample form is ideal?
DSC testing works best with solid powders, films, or small molded samples. We offer help and guidance on your planning and sample prep as needed.
