The definition of Heat Flux DSC（Differential Scanning Calorimetry）is “Technique where the difference between the heat-flow rates into a sample and a reference material is measured.1）” DSC can measure the temperature and the heat of the chemical reactions（thermal curing reaction, etc.）and the transitions（glass transition, melting, crystallization, etc.）of various materials. And it is also possible to determine the specific heat capacity of the material. From the DSC measurement results of the epoxy resin, it is possible to capture the glass transition and the curing exothermic peak. From these results, we can evaluate the curing process and the cured product.

Soft materials are applied in many products of our daily life. In general, industrial products and electronic components are integrated with soft materials for improving the efficiency and function. In order to manage their performance, it is very important to understand the surface condition and internal structure of such products. In recent years, scanning electron microscope（ SEM） has become a considerable tool to observe and analyze the surface and internal structure of these products in detail. However, soft materials are easily damaged by electron beams, and many materials don’t have electronic conductivity. In this review, we introduced how to reduce the charging and electron beam damage on the soft materials during the SEM observation. In addition, even SEM is a surface observation technology, it is possible to observe the internal structure by preparing a cross section of samples. Here, we also introduced how to prepare the cross section with Ar ion milling or other methods.

Fourier transform infrared（FTIR）spectroscopy is used to measure infrared（IR）spectra of a sample. The IR spectrum provides information associated with molecular vibrations, and FTIR spectroscopy has a wide variety of applications ranging from basic research to product evaluation. The IR spectrum shows the ratio of the amount of transmitted or reflected IR light plotted against the wavelength or wavenumber. The shape of the IR spectrum varies depending on the structure and concentration of molecules contained in the substance being measured. Accordingly, the main applications of IR spectroscopy are qualitative and quantitative analyses of substances. In order to obtain accurate IR spectra, it is necessary to select the most appropriate measurement method for a particular sample. FTIR measurements can be broadly classified into transmission and reflection methods, and the choice depends on whether qualitative or quantitative measurements are being performed. In this report, the principles of FTIR spectroscopy and the basics of IR spectra, and different measurement methods and analysis examples are described.

Interfacial phenomena such as“ wettability”, “adhesion”, “surface tension”, “dispersion”, and “emulsion” exist everywhere in our daily lives. Among them, a contact angle meter is easy to measure, captures a slight change in the surface, able to see surface conditions that cannot be visually recognized. However, there was no definite standard for measurement of contact angle nor provision that covered the measurement. Then, ISO 19403 Paints and varnishes – Wettability – was established in 2017. ISO 19403 specifies “terminology and general principles” for, “static contact angle”, “surface free energy”, “pendant drop method（interfacial tension）”, “compositional analysis of liquids”,“ dynamic contact angle（extension/contraction method, sliding method）”comprehensively for wettability testing. In this paper, the wettability test method is explained based on ISO19403, especially focusing on “pendant drop method”,“ sliding method（roll-off angle）”, and “Surface Free Energy”.

Rheology measurement can reveal the physical properties of a very wide range of materials, from extremely low-viscosity liquids such as water and ink jet inks to high modulus materials such as glassy polymers and composites like CFRP. It is one of the essential evaluations and analysis methods in manufacturing industries. Materials can be characterized without significant dependence on the type, physical state, or usage form, and the method can be utilized not only for polymers, but also foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and various other markets. It can be defined as a general-purpose tool utilized for research and development of new materials, simulation of mass production processes and workability, quality control, and performance of final products by keywords such as viscosity and elastic modulus. This article describes basic rheological measurement and application techniques for various materials, primarily adhesives.