Differential Thermal Analysis

The working principle of DTA is based on the measurement of the temperature difference between a sample and an inert reference material as they are heated or cooled at the same rate. The sample and reference are placed in separate sample holders, each with a thermocouple to monitor the temperature.

As the temperature changes, the sample may undergo physical or chemical transformations that involve the absorption or release of energy. When such a transformation occurs, the temperature of the sample will deviate from the reference material’s temperature. This temperature difference is recorded and plotted against temperature or time, resulting in a DTA curve.

Endothermic processes, such as melting or decomposition, cause the sample temperature to lag behind the reference, resulting in a trough or negative peak in the DTA curve. Conversely, exothermic processes, such as crystallization or oxidation, cause the sample temperature to rise above the reference, leading to a peak or positive deflection in the DTA curve.

The DTA curve provides information about the temperatures at which thermal events occur, as well as whether they are endothermic or exothermic. However, it does not quantify the amount of heat absorbed or released during these events.

• Phase transition analysis of aerospace materials
• Thermal stability studies of composites and alloys
• Oxidation behavior analysis of high-temperature materials

• Characterization of phase changes in automotive alloys
• Thermal analysis of coatings and lubricants
• Oxidation studies of engine components

• Phase transition analysis of chemical compounds
• Thermal decomposition studies of reactants and products
• Catalyst characterization and thermal stability analysis

• Phase transition analysis of electronic materials
• Thermal stability studies of components and devices
• Oxidation behavior analysis of electronic packaging materials

• Thermal characterization of explosives and propellants
• Phase transition analysis of armor materials
• Thermal decomposition studies of energetic materials

• Phase transition analysis of energy storage materials
• Thermal stability studies of battery components
• Oxidation behavior analysis of fuel cell materials

• Thermal analysis of forensic evidence and materials
• Phase transition studies for material identification
• Thermal decomposition analysis for forensic investigations

• Phase transition analysis of luminescent materials
• Thermal stability studies of phosphors and LED components
• Oxidation behavior analysis of lighting materials

• Thermal characterization of biocompatible materials
• Phase transition analysis of implants and prosthetics
• Thermal stability studies of medical polymers

• Phase transition analysis of drug candidates and excipients
• Thermal stability studies of pharmaceutical formulations
• Thermal decomposition analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients

• Phase transition analysis of raw materials
• Thermal stability studies of additives and fillers
• Oxidation behavior analysis of raw materials

• Phase transition analysis of semiconductor materials
• Thermal stability studies of integrated circuit components
• Oxidation behavior analysis of semiconductor packaging materials

• Phase transition analysis of telecommunication materials
• Thermal stability studies of data storage components
• Oxidation behavior analysis of optical fiber materials

• Provides qualitative information about thermal events and phase transitions
• Can detect both endothermic and exothermic processes
• Suitable for a wide range of materials (solids, liquids, powders)
• Requires minimal sample preparation
• Capable of high-temperature analysis (up to 1600°C)
• Can be coupled with other techniques (e.g., TGA, MS) for comprehensive analysis

• Sample Size: 20 – 50 mg.
• Sample Volume: 20 – 80 mm³.
• Sample Form: Solid, liquid, or powder samples can be analyzed.
• Sample Preparation: Minimal preparation is required, but samples should be homogeneous and free from contaminants.