CET777 Thermal Analysis

Physical characterisation of materials is the measurement and evaluation of the properties of materials. It is essential for the development of materials, for materials failure investigation and routine assessment. Thermal analysis constituted a group of characterisation techniques in which the thermal properties of materials are characterised. Materials in service are subjected to extreme and fluctuating temperature conditions. As the properties and performance of materials are intimately related to the temperature, a group of thermal analysis techniques covering TGA, DSC, DTA, TMA etc… in which the physical properties of materials are measured as a function of temperature whilst the material is subjected to a controlled temperature are employed to characterise materials. In the module on thermal analysis, specific characterisation techniques will be covered in depth including Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Other less common but advanced thermal techniques will also be introduced briefly.