Thermal Methods of Analysis: Principles, Applications and Problems

The wide range of applications of thermal methods of analysis in measuring physical properties, studying chemical reactions and determining the thermal behaviour of samples is of interest to academics and to industry. These applications prompted the writing of this book, in the hope that the descriptions, explanations and examples given would be of help to the analyst and would stimulate the investigation of other thermal techniques. Thermal studies are a fascinating means of examining the samples and the problems brought to us by colleagues, students and clients. If time allows, watching crystals change on a hot-stage microscope, or measuring the properties and changes on a DSC or TG or any thermal instrument can be a rewarding activity, besides providing valuable analytical information. This book started from a series of lectures delivered at Kingston University and at meetings of the Thermal Methods Group of the United Kingdom. The collaboration and information supplied to all the contribu­ tors by colleagues and instrument manufacturers is most gratefully ack­ nowledged, as are the valuable contributions made at meetings of the International Confederation for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ICT AC) and at the European Symposia on Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (ESTAC).

Table of Contents:
1 Introduction to thermal methods.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Historical development.- 1.3 Definitions.- 1.4 Computers and thermal methods.- 1.5 Factors affecting thermal analysis results.- 1.6 Simultaneous and complementary techniques.- 1.7 Problems.- References.- General Bibliography.- 2 Thermogravimetry.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Historical.- 2.3 Definition of thermogravimetry.- 2.4 Apparatus.- 2.5 Kinetics of reactions.- 2.6 Applications of thermogravimetry.- 2.7 Controlled rate thermogravimetry and Hi-Res• TGA.- 2.8 Problems.- References.- 3 Differential thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Historical.- 3.3 Definitions.- 3.4 Apparatus.- 3.5 Theory of DTA and DSC.- 3.6 Heat flux DSC.- 3.7 Power-compensated DSC.- 3.8 Calibration.- 3.9 Applications.- 3.11 Problems.- References.- 4 Thermomechanical, dynamic mechanical and associated methods.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Definitions.- 4.3 Thermomechanical analysis.- 4.4 Dynamic mechanical analysis.- 4.5Dielectric thermal analysis.- 4.6 Thermally stimulated current analysis and relaxation map analysis.- 4.7 Problems.- References.- 5 Simultaneous techniques and product analysis.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Simultaneous thermal analysis.- 5.3 Evolved gas analysis.- 5.4 Detection and identification of evolved gases.- 5.5 Infrared and simultaneous TA-infrared.- 5.6 Infrared product analysis.- 5.7 Thermomicroscopy.- 5.8 X-ray methods.- 5.9 Electron microscopy and associated techniques.- 5.10 Conclusion.- 5.11 Less common thermal analysis techniques.- 5.12 Problems.- References.- 6 Problem solving and applications of thermal methods.- List of examples.- Problems/Solutions.- 6.1 Inorganic materials.- 6.2 Polymeric materials.- 6.3 Fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals.- 6.4 Other materials.- References.- Appendix: Solutions to problems in Chapters 1-5.

Review :
The book represents excellent value for money...and should be invaluable in setting examination questions or in tutorial work. A copy of the book should be available in every chemistry library. - Education in Chemistry.; ...this will probably become the standard textbook for undergraduate courses in thermal analysis. - Chemistry and Industry; This is an excellent introductory text to thermal methods of analysis, with an easily read writing style...In particular academics and students would find this text a very useful addition to their bookshelves, but it would also be useful to graduate scientists and engineers who want to find out what relevance thermal methods of analysis have to their field. - Trends in Analytical Chemistry.