Thermal Analysis Facilities

Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA):

The STA technique is comprised of both differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG). STA can be used to follow the course of chemical reactions, thermal decompositions, or phase changes as a function of temperature, heating rate, and atmosphere.

Features:

• DTA and TGA measurements from 25 to
  1450°C
• All systems fully computer controlled

Differential Scanning Calorimetry:

The operation of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is based on measurement of the thermal response of an unknown specimen as compared with a standard when the two are heated uniformly at a constant rate. A DSC is used to measure specific heat capacity and heats of transition, and to detect phase changes and melting points.

Features:

• Operation of instrument completely automated and computer controlled
• Small sample volumes required (~1 to 50 mm³)
• Widely accepted method for determining specific heat capacity

Netzsch DSC 404C:

• Specific heat measurements to 1200°C
• Operation in air, inert gas, or vacuum to 1650°C
  

TA Instruments Q2000 DSC:

• Operation in inert gas from - 180°C to 400°C
• Automatic sample changer
• Moduated DSC
• Pressure cell for pressures to 7MPa (1000 PSI)

High-Temperature, High-Mass Thermogravimetric Analyzer:

This instrument is used to examine the time-temperature-environment relationships for high-temperature materials. The ability to accommodate large samples allows the testing of real components in aggressive environments, simulating actual processing or operating conditions.

Features:

• 20–1700°C operation
• TG balance capacity up to 100 g with sample diameters up to 30 mm
• Mass change determinations to ±1 μg
• Heating rates up to 100°C/min
• Controlled environments, including vacuum, inert, and corrosive gases
• All systems fully computer controlled
  

Dual-Push-Rod Dilatometer:

A differential dual-push-rod dilatometer measures thelinear thermal expansion from 20 to 1600°C and can be used to detect various physical or chemical changes suchas phase transitions in a specimen.

Features:

• Measurements from 20 to 1600°C
• Differential length changes measured to ±1.5%
• Measurements in both inert gas and vacuum oxidizing environments
• Dedicated computer control of time-temperature programs for the samples
• Length change data automatically acquired, analyzed, and plotted

Quench Dilatometer:

A quench dilatometer measures the change in length of a specimen as it is heated or cooled at programmed rates or held isothermally for a programmed time. It can be used to detect various phase transitions in a specimen such as equilibrium and metastable transitions in steels (development of CCT and ITT curves), and precipitation in age-hardenable aluminum and magnesium alloys.

Features:

• Rapid heating at controlled rates in vacuum using RF induction coil
• Rapid cooling at controlled rates in vacuum or by forced helium assisted quenching
• Quench rates in excess of 150°C/s obtainable
• Option of deformation of specimen prior to cooling