Differential scanning calorimetry

Description

A technique used to measure changes in energy of a material as the temperature of its external environment is increased by a controlled temperature program. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measures the energy of the material and compares it to a standard reference as a function of temperature. The absorbed energy (endotherms) or released energy (exotherms) may be related to physical changes in the material such as melting, crystallization, resin curing, ceramic firing temperature, glass transition or solvent lost.

Synonyms and Related Terms

DSC

Resources and Citations

• Wikipedia: Differential scanning calorimetry
• A.Burmester, "Investigation of Paint Media by Differential Scanning Calorimetry" Studies in Conservation, 37:73-81, 1991.
• National Gallery of Art, Scientific Research: Glossary of Conservation Terminology