Application of Thermal Analysis as a Substitute for Standard ASTM Polymer Characterization Tests

Abstract

Thermal analysis techniques have for some time been used in the field of materials characterization (1). The data obtainable from such procedures can be applied directly to the study of polymer physical properties such as phase changes, stability measurements, mechanical effects, and thermodynamic data. The ability of modern commercially available Thermal Analysis Systems to provide accurate and precise data has been accepted in both the academic and industrial research environments. In the field of polymer quality control,however there are many techniques still widely used which do not adequately define the physical property being monitored. It is the purpose of this paper to present data which illustrates the advantages of the thermal analysis technique of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) over the more traditional procedures used for determining polymer melting behavior. Correlations are presented between data obtained using the DuPont Thermal Analysis System and that from standard ASTM methods used in the polymer industry. Illustrations are also given of several instances in which typical DSC procedures can simultaneously provide additional data which can also be used to evaluate other parameters significant in the characterization of the product.