Differential thermal analysis

Differential thermal analysis
AcronymDTA
ClassificationThermal analysis
Other techniques
RelatedDifferential scanning calorimetry
Isothermal microcalorimetry
Dynamic mechanical analysis
Thermomechanical analysis
Thermogravimetric analysis
Dielectric thermal analysis

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a thermoanalytic technique that is similar to differential scanning calorimetry. In DTA, the material under study and an inert reference are made to undergo identical thermal cycles, (i.e., same cooling or heating programme) while recording any temperature difference between sample and reference.[1] This differential temperature is then plotted against time, or against temperature (DTA curve, or thermogram). Changes in the sample, either exothermic or endothermic, can be detected relative to the inert reference. Thus, a DTA curve provides data on the transformations that have occurred, such as glass transitions, crystallization, melting and sublimation. The area under a DTA peak is the enthalpy change and is not affected by the heat capacity of the sample.

  1. ^ Bhadeshia, H.K.D.H. "Thermal analyses techniques. Differential thermal analysis" (PDF). University of Cambridge, Material Science and Metallurgy. Retrieved 2023-09-17.