Fast Scanning Chip Calorimetry

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier B.V. Technical details of chip calorimeters, including information about calibration and correction routes, as well as recommendations for appropriate sample preparation are provided. This is followed by a presentation of selected applications of fast scanning chip calorimetry (FSC). Regarding polymers, examples of the analysis of the kinetics of crystallization, crystal nucleation by applying Tammann's two-stage nuclei development method, crystal reorganization, and melting are provided. In addition, the relationship between the relaxation of the polymer glasses and the homogenous crystal nucleation is highlighted. As an example of biological and pharmaceutical molecules, it is demonstrated that fast heating can outpace degradation of temperature-sensitive substances for studying their melting behavior. Furthermore, the analysis of the degradation of macromolecules at earliest stages is briefly described, even when not leading to a mass loss in thermogravimetric measurements, as well as the use of FSC for the evaluation of the evaporation kinetics of liquids of low volatility. Finally, it will be demonstrated that FSC is also of interest for the analysis of metals and glass transitions.