Tutorial Sheet on Thermal Analysis

1. List all the components of a Differential Thermal Analyser (DTA) and explain
how the signals from the instrumentation can be converted into a thermogram.

2. Explain the difference between a “power compensated” and “heat flux”

differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

3. Below is the data obtained from a dilatometric measurement of a solid sample at

room temperature.

i. Using the data presented in the figure explain what is happeneing to the sample. ( In
particular the large increase and a decrease that is seen before the large increase).

ii. Determine the density of the sample at 50 oC.

iii. After 100 oC , the sample becomes amorphous (a state in materials where the
molecules are randomly arranged at a molecular level). Determine the density of the
amorphous sample at 50oC.
 4. A typical DSC thermogram is shown below.
i. Discuss how the endothermic peaks behave with respect to heating rate.