Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): determining the transition temperatures, and enthalpy and heat capacity changes in multicomponent systems by analytical model fitting

We have developed an analytical method to quantitatively analyze differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experimental data. This method provides accurate determination of thermal properties such as equilibrium melting temperature, latent heat, change of heat capacity which can be performed automatically without intervention of a DSC operator. DSC is one of the best techniques to determine the thermal properties of materials. However, the accuracy of the transition temperature and enthalpy change can be affected by artifacts caused by the instrumentation, sampling, and the DSC analysis methods which are based on graphical constructions. In the present study, an analytical function (DSCN(T)) has been developed based on an assumed Arrhenius crystal size distribution together with instrumental and sample-related peak broadening. The DSCN(T) function was successfully applied to fit the experimental data of a substantial number of calibration and new unknown samples, including samples with an obvious asymmetry of the melting peak, yielding the thermal characteristics such as melting and glass transition temperature, and enthalpy and heat capacity change. It also allows very accurate analysis of binary systems with two distinct but severely overlapping peaks and samples that include a cold crystallization before melting.

Automated summary

We have developed an analytical method that can accurately determine the thermal properties of materials, with the ability to be performed automatically without the intervention of an operator. This method has been successfully applied to a wide range of samples, including those with obvious asymmetry in the melting peak.