The Thermal Analysis Laboratory contains several instruments designed to characterize materials based on their behavior under various heat conditions. Such measurements provide qualitative and quantitative information about physical and chemical changes that involve endothermic and exothermic processes, or changes in heat capacity. Moisture content and presence of volatile species can be determined with this technique.
Computer controlled graphics can calculate weight percent losses.
No sample preparation is necessary. The plot of this differential provides information on exothermic and endothermic reactions taking place in the sample. Temperatures for phase transitions, melting points, crystallization can all be determined using the computer controlled graphics package. Ideally, the sample should be ground to 100 mesh. Dr. R. Malek 109 MRL Bldg.