Database-supported thermal analysis involving automatic evaluation, identification and classification of measurement curves

The philosophy of the recently presented computer-based curve recognition and database system for differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, Identify, is highlighted. This involves autonomous evaluation of measurements by the novel AutoEvaluation software function. A substantial expansion of Identify is furthermore introduced, including data not only from DSC but also from thermogravimetry (TG), dilatometry (DIL) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA) as well as data on the specific heat capacity, c (p), within the same database system. Libraries with more than 1000 measurements and literature data from the fields of ceramics and inorganics, metals and alloys, polymers, organics, food and pharmaceuticals as well as chemical elements are included in the database, which can also be enlarged by user data. Despite of general limitations of database search routines discussed, both AutoEvaluation and Identify considerably simplify the evaluation and interpretation of thermoanalytical measurement curves. Demonstrations are given for the automatic evaluation, identification and classification of several polymers from their DSC and TG curves; this can be used for quality control and failure analysis. Classification of DIL measurements of the linear thermal expansion of alumina samples is also depicted.