Applications of a fast-scanning DSC – project RHC

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingMeeting abstract (Book)

Abstract

In polymer processing, materials are often subjected to heating and cooling rates considerably higher than the rates that can be attained using conventional DSC equipment. With project RHC [1], TA Instruments intends to extend the range of heating and cooling rates conventional DSC systems can reach. In this presentation, the calibration of this fast-scanning DSC and examples for the study of (nanostructured) polymer systems will be given.
The prototype RHC used in our work can reach heating and cooling rates of 2000 K/min and 1500 K/min, respectively. To reach these high rates while retaining an operation similar as in a conventional DSC, the instrument was roughly scaled down by a tenfold. The RHC cell is of the Tzero(TM) type and is heated through infrared radiation and cooled with a liquid nitrogen cooling system.
As thermal lag effects can be important at high heating rates of for larger sample masses, the thermal lag calibration procedure for the RHC will be discussed. The reproducibility of measurements of the melting temperature and enthalpy was studied. Through an investigation of the effects of sample mass and heating rate on the transformation temperatures and enthalpy, the need for a calibration depending on heating rate and sample mass in heating and cooling was investigated [2].
Applications of the RHC for the study of polymer-based nanostructured materials will be discussed. These applications encompass polymer:fullerene solar cell blends [3], nanocomposites [4], and nanofibres. In these applications, the use of higher heating and cooling rates to suppress transformations is highlighted, as well as the study of faster isothermal processes.

[1] R.L. Danley, P.A. Caulfield and S.R. Aubuchon, Am. Lab. , January (2008) 9-11
[2] G. Vanden Poel, A. Sargsyan, V. Mathot, Protocol proposed to the Research and Standardization group on "Temperature Calibration of Fast-Scanning Calorimeters", during the Technical Seminar of NaPolyNet, an FP7 program, see www.napolynet.eu (DIN, Berlin, Oct. 20, 2009).
[3] J. Zhao, A. Swinnen, G. Van Assche, J. Manca, D. Vanderzande, Bruno Van Mele, J. Phys. Chem. B, 113(6) (2009) 1587-1591.
[4] H.E. Miltner, N. Grossiord, K.B. Lu, J. Loos, C.E. Koning, B. Van Mele, Macromolecules, 41 (15) (2008) 5753-5762.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceeding of the 10th European Symposium on Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ESTAC-2010), August 22-27 (2010), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Pages252-252
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2010
EventFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 21 Sept 200925 Sept 2009

Conference

ConferenceFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period21/09/0925/09/09

Keywords

  • rapid-scanning calorimetry
  • advanced thermal analysis
  • solar cells
  • organic photovoltaics (OPV)

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