Thermal Analysis of Polymeric Materials by Modulation Calorimetry around the Glass Transition Temperature

Abstract

Modulation calorimetry is a thermal analysis technique which was recently developed. Here the modulation calorimetry around the glass transition temperature was carried out on several samples, paying attention to features of the modulation calorimetry, conformation of the experimental apparatuses and interpretation of experimental data. In our laboratory an ac calorimeter and dynamic DSC were constructed. Results of ac calorimetry obtained from at-polypropylene and low molecular weight at-polystyrene and those of dynamic DSC from at-polystyrene are shown. The modulation calorimetry can be used to measure the dynamic heat capacity of polymeric materials, it is also a useful method for studies of the effects of thermal history of polymers.