Shimadzu DTA-50 Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA)

Shimadzu Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA-50)

Differential Thermal Analyzer (DTA) uses a two-pan system to measure the heat flux difference between an empty pan (or one with a reference material) against the temperature of a sample of specific weight. The DTA-50 system uses temperatures in the range between room temperature and around 1400 ^oC to determine thermal transitions such as glass transitions, crystallization, phase changes, melting, stability, cure kinetics, etc.  While it is not as sensitive as a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), it is more versatile for harder materials, as our DSC system cannot operate above 400^oC. The DTA-50 instrument is calibrated to 1100^oC for accuracy.

Prior to DTA analysis, a sample first needs to be analyzed in our TGA system to determine the destruction point if it is below 1000 ^oC, and the behavior of the material before rising the delicate sensor in the DTA instrument.  The expected sample size (around 5-10 mg) is weighed with our precision scale, then layered evenly on the across the bottom of DTA aluminum crucibles and loaded onto the dual pan sensor with care. This instrument operates with nitrogen gas under atmospheric control, and is available for use in the MRL Central Research Facilities.