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Principle
Differential thermal analysis (DTA) involves the technique of recording the difference in
temperature between a substance and a reference material against either time or temperature.
Thus, a differential thermogram consists of a record of the differences in sample and reference
temperature (differential temperature, ΔT) plotted as a function of time t, sample temperature
(Ts), reference temperature (Tr) or furnace temperature (Tf). Substance and reference material
are subjected to controlled temperature.
a. Emissions of heat (exothermic).
b. Absorptions of heat (endothermic)
Sharp endothermic peaks give ideas of changes in crystallinity or fusion processes whereas broad
endosperms signify dehydration reactions. Physical changes give rise to endothermic curves
whereas chemical reactions (particularly those of an oxidative nature) give rise to exothermic
peaks. DTA allows the detection of every physical or chemical change whether or not it is
accompanied by a change in weight.
Advantages:
1. Instruments can be used at very high temperatures.
2. Instruments are highly sensitive.
3. Characteristic transitions or reaction temperatures can be accurately determined.
Disadvantages:
1. Uncertainty of heats of fusion, transition or reaction estimations is 20-50%
Application
The DTA allows the detection of any change of temperatures of a sample due to the chemical
modifications of various categories of materials under controlled atmospheres for various
applications:
1. Characterisation of polymers (determination of their decomposition temperature);
2. Determination of the chemical change of inorganic materials (silicates, ferrites, oxides,
ceramics, catalysts, glasses, etc)
3. Construction of phase diagram
References:
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica
https://www.britannica.com/science/differential-thermal-analysis
2. Differential Thermal Analysis
Mr. Shaise Jacob
Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis
Nirmala College of Pharmacy
Muvattupuzha, Kerala, India
3. http://www.groupes.polymtl.ca/lanomat/modules/facilities/index.php?content_id=15