Differential Scanning Calorimeters
The World's Finest Line of Differential Scanning Calorimeters for Polymer Scientists
Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) for Polymers and Advanced Materials
For scientists and engineers working with polymers and advanced materials, precise thermal analysis is crucial in understanding and optimizing material performance. TA Instruments’ Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) are designed to meet the specific needs of polymers and advanced materials research, offering unparalleled capabilities in measuring thermal transitions, heat flow, and material stability.
Our DSC systems excel in the investigation of key properties such as glass transitions, cold crystallization, phase changes, melting behavior, crystallization processes, product stability, and cure kinetics. These measurements are essential for selecting materials, comparing formulations, and evaluating end-use performance in both research and quality control environments.
Tailored Solutions for Polymer and Advanced Material Testing
Whether your work involves increasing sample throughput, testing materials under pressure, or obtaining the most precise and reliable thermal data, TA Instruments’ Discovery DSC series offers a solution that meets and exceeds your expectations. Each system is designed to handle the unique challenges of polymers and advanced materials, providing you with the data you need to drive innovation and ensure material performance.
- D3418 – Transition Temperatures and Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization of Polymers.
- D3895 – Oxidative-Induction Time of Polyolefins.
- D4591 – Temperatures and Heats of Transitions of Fluoropolymers.
- D5028 – Curing Properties of Pultrusion Resins.
- E793 – Enthalpies of Fusion and Crystallization.
- E794 – Melting and Crystallization Temperatures.
- E1269 – Specific Heat Capacity.
- E1356 – Assignment of the Glass Transition Temperatures.
- E2160 – Heat of Reaction of Thermally Reactive Materials.
Testing Capabilities
Phase Transition
Melting Temperature
Heat of Fusion
Glass Transition
Crystallinity
Heat Capacity
Thermal Stability
Oxidative Induction Time (OIT)
Oxidative Onset Time (OOT)
Batch-to-Batch Repeatability
Polymer Identification
Process Condition Optimization
Polymer Workflow Automation
TRIOS Guided Methods
Differential Scanning Calorimeters
Multi-Sample X3 DSC
DSC 2500
DSC 250
DSC 25
Pressure DSC 25P
Choosing the Right DSC to Meet your Needs and Exceed your Expectations
| Feature | Discovery X3 DSC | DSC 2500 | DSC 250 | DSC 25 | Pressure DSC 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | High-throughput labs, complex thermal analysis | Versatile applications in R&D | Versatile applications in R&D | Routine quality control and basic R&D | High-pressure material characterization |
| Temperature Range | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | Ambient to 725°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.05°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C |
| Temperature Precision | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C |
| Baseline Flatness | <10 µW | <10 µW | <10 µW | <20 µW | <20 µW |
| Baseline Repeatability | ±5 µW | ±5 µW | ±5 µW | ±10 µW | ±10 µW |
| Enthalpy Precision | ±0.04% | ±0.10% | ±0.10% | ±0.10% | ±0.20% |
| Pressure Range | Ambient | Ambient | Ambient | Ambient | Up to 100 bar |
| Heat Flux Sensitivity | Highest sensitivity | High sensitivity | High sensitivity | Standard sensitivity | Standard sensitivity |
| Automated Sample Loading | Yes (up to 54 samples) | No | No | No | No |
| Cooling Options | Finned Air, RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS |
| Autosampler Capability | Yes (Up to 54 positions) | No | No | No | No |
| Calibration | Advanced calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Pressure-specific calibration methods |
| Sample Size Capacity | Up to 54 samples | Single sample | Single sample | Single sample | Single sample |
Webinars
- Characterization of Amorphous Pharmaceuticals by DSC Analysis
- Benefits of Microscopy for Interpretation of DSC Thermograms
- DSC Characterization of Crystalline Structure in Foods and Pharmaceuticals
- Pharmaceutical Characterization with the New Multi Sample Discovery X3 DSC
- Discover the Possibilities with the New Multi-Sample Discovery X3 Differential Scanning Calorimeter
Application Notes
- Thermoset Analysis Using the Discovery X3 DSC
- Drug – Excipient Incompatibility with Discovery X3
- Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastic Analysis Using the Discovery X3 DSC
- Using Modulated DSC® (MDSC®) to Separate an Enthalpic Recovery from a Glass Transition
- Simultaneous DSC‐Raman Analysis of the Isothermal Crystallization of Polypropylene
Application Examples of Differential Scanning Calorimeters Across the Polymer Supply Chain
What is the processing temperature of this resin?
Understanding the temperatures at which polymers soften and melt is a fundamental material property relevant to polymer processing. As one of the first steps in extrusion, injection molding and film blow molding processes, resin pellets are routinely heated past the melting point; for thermoforming and blow molding, the resin is heated above its glass transition temperature to soften it, but without completely melting it. This transformation from a solid resin pellet (lower energy state) to a softened or completely melted pellet (higher energy state) requires the input of energy and can be measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).
In a DSC test, the heat flow of the sample is monitored as the temperature is increased at a constant rate. Thermal transitions such as melting and glass transition show up as endothermic events, where the material absorbs heat as it moves into the higher energy state. The results also reveal information about the polymer morphology, with clear differences between amorphous and semi-crystalline states. During a DSC test’s first heat cycle, amorphous materials display a broad glass transition without melting, while semi-crystalline polymers have a sharp and well-defined melting peak. Since the melting and glass transition temperatures are unique to each polymer, this information can be used to quickly evaluate the quality of the incoming feedstock prior to processing.
Answer the following questions with results from your DSC:
- Feedstock evaluation: Is this a neat polymer, or is it a blend? Can vendor A’s resin be replaced with lower cost resin from vendor B?
- Processing: How much thermal energy is needed to completely melt the resin pellets?
- After processing: Is there a thermal history after processing vs. as-received? (1st vs. 2nd heat)
- End-of-life recycling: Does this batch of PCR (post-consumer resin) have significant contamination from other polymers?
How stable is this resin during processing and end-use?
Stabilizers and other additives are often added to resins to prevent degradation from environmental effects encountered during processing and end-use conditions. These additives include antioxidants, oxygen scavengers, heat and UV light stabilizers, or flame retardants, to ensure the polymer’s intended properties are maintained during processing and the product’s lifetime. Stabilizers are inherently sacrificial and are gradually consumed when exposed to high temperature or UV light; once the stabilizer is completely exhausted, the polymer properties start to degrade rapidly.
The performance of stabilizers can be evaluated through Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) analysis on the DSC. In this isothermal test, the purge gas in the DSC is switched from Nitrogen to Oxygen, providing an environment where the stabilizer is consumed. At the onset of polymer degradation, the heat flow signal starts to increase and the time is noted as OIT.
Temperature ramps on the DSC can also be used to measure the Oxidative Onset Time (OOT), a related measure of polymer stability. Both OIT and OOT tests can also be performed using a high-pressure DSC, which reduces test time by accelerating stabilizer consumption.
Answer the following questions with OIT & OOT results from your DSC:
- Feedstock evaluation: Can this resin be processed as-is? Are antioxidants needed for additional stability?
- Failure Analysis: Did this part antioxidant at sufficient levels suitable for the end-use conditions?
- End-of-Life recycling: How much antioxidant is needed to stabilize and process this batch of PCR?
Related Application Notes:
How do process conditions affect the product’s crystallinity?
Semi-crystalline thermoplastics like Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) find extensive use across a range of applications, including in packaging materials. Semicrystalline polymer morphology is marked by the presence of locally ordered, crystalline regions interspersed between disorganized, amorphous regions. The presence of these crystalline domains within the structure confers desirable end-use properties including increased strength, wear performance, and chemical resistance. However, it is vital to carefully control the processing conditions to achieve the required levels of crystallinity in the product since high crystallinity can lead to brittle products, reduce optical clarity, or result in warpage and shrinkage defects.
Crystallization is the process of converting an amorphous, higher-energy structure into an organized, lower-energy, solid crystalline structure – this transition releases energy and can be accurately measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) as an exothermic peak. DSC tests are commonly performed in 3 distinct steps involving a heat-cool-heat cycle. The first heat cycle evaluates the material as received and imparts a uniform, well-defined thermal history to the materials.
Once melted, the cooling cycle of a DSC curve provides information about crystallization – the temperatures at which crystallization starts and ends, and a quick overview of crystallization kinetics. Additional insights into crystallization kinetics can be obtained through more detailed isothermal tests. The amount and speed of crystallization can be controlled through the deliberate addition of nucleating agents; however, crystallization rates can also be affected by dyes, colorants, or contaminants in recycled resins that can serve as nucleating agents. Since crystallinity has a direct impact on product performance, careful measurement and control of crystallinity is critical to avoid product failures in the end-use application.
Answer the following questions with results from your DSC:
- Processing: What cooling rates are needed to achieve the required crystallinity? Are nucleating agents needed?
- End-of-life: How can the crystallinity of products made with PCR be matched with those from virgin materials?
Related Application Notes:
Ready to elevate your polymer testing? Explore our advanced Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSC) and discover how TA Instruments can enhance your research. Contact us today to learn more, request a demo, or speak with an expert. Empower your innovation with TA Instruments.
| Feature | Discovery X3 DSC | DSC 2500 | DSC 250 | DSC 25 | Pressure DSC 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | -180°C to 725°C | Ambient to 725°C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.05°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C | ±0.10°C |
| Temperature Precision | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C | ±0.01°C |
| Baseline Flatness | <10 µW | <10 µW | <10 µW | <20 µW | <20 µW |
| Baseline Repeatability | ±5 µW | ±5 µW | ±5 µW | ±10 µW | ±10 µW |
| Enthalpy Precision | ±0.04% | ±0.10% | ±0.10% | ±0.10% | ±0.20% |
| Pressure Range | Ambient | Ambient | Ambient | Ambient | Up to 100 bar |
| Heat Flux Sensitivity | Highest sensitivity | High sensitivity | High sensitivity | Standard sensitivity | Standard sensitivity |
| Automated Sample Loading | Yes (up to 54 samples) | No | No | No | No |
| Cooling Options | Finned Air, RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS, FACS | RCS90, LNCS |
| Modulated DSC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Autosampler Capability | Yes (Up to 54 positions) | No | No | No | No |
| Calibration | Advanced calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Standard calibration methods | Pressure-specific calibration methods |
| Sample Size Capacity | Up to 54 samples | Single sample | Single sample | Single sample | Single sample |
| Software | TRIOS Software with advanced features | TRIOS Software with standard features | TRIOS Software with standard features | TRIOS Software with standard features | TRIOS Software with standard features |
| Best For | High-throughput labs, complex thermal analysis | Versatile applications in R&D | Versatile applications in R&D | Routine quality control and basic R&D | High-pressure material characterization |
