About the development of databases in thermal analysis

Abstract

Comparing own measurement values with the literature or textbook data is an established procedure for the correct interpretation, and final evaluation of the results obtained. For some spectroscopic measurement techniques such as mass spectrometry or Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, online libraries have long been established, which allow for library searches within the evaluation software and for comparisons of the measurement data with spectra collections archived in databases. These are either available on the Internet free of charge or can be purchased from instruments suppliers or scientific organizations. For the methods of thermal analysis, such as thermogravimetry, dilatometry, or differential scanning calorimetry, such software-based libraries had not been available thus far. The “Identify” database of the NETZSCH Proteus ® evaluation software now offers—for the first time—the ability to conduct software-based library comparisons in thermal analysis. With the example of two polymer samples, it will be shown that identification of both pure substances and mixtures can be carried out with the help of “Identify.”