Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

Abstract

DTA is the simplest and most widely used thermal analysis technique. The difference in temperature, ∆T, between the sample and a reference material is recorded while both are subjected to the same heating programme. In ‘classical’ DTA instruments, represented schematically in Fig. 4.1, a single block with symmetrical cavities for the sample and reference is heated in the furnace. The block is chosen to act as a suitable heat-sink, and a sample holder of low thermal conductivity is included between the block and the sample to ensure an adequate differential temperature signal during a thermal event.