Thermal Stability: Essential Testing for Advanced Materials

As industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics evolve, their need for advanced materials is more critical than ever. Aerospace and automotive sectors, for instance, require materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressure. Meanwhile, as electronics become increasingly sophisticated, they demand materials that maintain stability under heat. So, can materials meet these rising demands? Thermal stability is becoming a crucial factor in the development of high-performance materials, playing a key role in the success of innovative technologies. Without it, progress in these fields may be limited.

What is Thermal Stability?

Defining Thermal Stability

Thermal stability is the ability of a material to keep its physical and chemical properties stable at high temperatures. Some key signs of thermal stability are the coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, and the temperature at which the material breaks down. To measure thermal stability, common methods include Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and the thermal expansion method. These tools help scientists understand how materials behave when exposed to heat.

Poor Thermal Stability and Material Degradation

If a material has poor thermal stability, it may change or break down under high temperatures. This can lead to performance problems. In some cases, the material can lose strength or shape. For example, materials that break down in engines or electronics can cause safety risks. They might lead to failure or malfunction in important systems.

Thermal Testing Techniques: The Science Behind Stability

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)

The Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) is a technique used to measure the heat absorbed or released by a material at different temperatures. It works by comparing the temperature differences between the sample and a reference material. These measurements are taken under the same controlled conditions. DSC can provide important information about phase transitions, glass transitions, crystallization, and thermal decomposition of materials. Zeal Instruments offers a DSC that can measure the thermal stability of various materials accurately, efficiently, and automatically.

DSC-40AE

The DSC-40AE is a thermal analysis instrument designed using the tower-type heat flow method. It measures the heat flow difference between the sample and the reference sample. This is done under programmed temperature control, with changes in heat flow depending on the temperature or time. This instrument allows for precise temperature control and accurate measurements.

Features of DSC-40AE

The DSC-40AE uses tower-type heat flow technology to improve both the resolution and sensitivity of the instrument. It also employs specialized algorithms to precisely modulate temperature and heat flow signals. This ensures accurate measurements of specific heat capacity, exothermic reactions, and other thermal properties. The instrument can measure several key parameters, including DSC onset points, heat flow peaks, glass transition temperatures, and enthalpy of absorption or release. A nickel-chromium substrate is used for better high-temperature oxidation resistance and sensitivity. The instrument also features a high-definition touchscreen for easy use.

Enhanced Design for Better Efficiency

The silver furnace body of the DSC-40AE ensures better heat transfer efficiency. It also helps reduce interference between the sample and reference materials. The instrument offers both ramp and isothermal temperature control modes, allowing for greater flexibility in measurements. With a data acquisition rate of 50Hz, the instrument improves sensitivity and resolution. The optimized structural design also provides better baseline stability and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

Specifications

The DSC-40AE operates in an environment between 5°C to 40°C with a humidity level of less than 85%. It has a temperature control range from room temperature (RT) to 600°C. The heating scan rate ranges from 0.1K/min to 200K/min, with a scan rate deviation of ±1%. The phase transition temperature accuracy is ±0.1K, and reproducibility is ±0.02K. Enthalpy accuracy is within ±1%, and the enthalpy measurement precision is ±0.25%. The baseline stability is 200μW, and the heat flow display resolution is 0.1μW. The noise at the heat flow peak is 9μW, with an indium peak height/half-peak width of 8mW/K.

Applications in Critical Industries

Aerospace

In aerospace, materials need to handle extreme temperatures in places like engines and spacecraft. High temperatures can cause damage to parts. So, materials must be stable to ensure safety and performance. Without thermal stability, aircraft and spacecraft cannot function properly.

Electronics

Electronics also need stable materials. Devices like chips and batteries generate heat. If materials can’t handle this heat, the components could overheat and fail. Stable materials help keep electronics running smoothly and safely.

Automotive

In the automotive industry, especially with electric vehicles, materials must deal with fluctuating temperatures. The engine and battery systems change temperature often. Materials used in these areas must be able to handle this heat without degrading. This ensures the vehicle’s performance and safety over time.

Why Thermal Stability Testing Matters

Real-World Examples of Poor Thermal Stability Leading to Failures

Poor thermal stability can cause serious problems. For example, in electronics, overheating can damage chips and batteries. This may lead to failure or malfunction. In engines, poor thermal stability can cause parts to weaken or break. This could result in engine failure or accidents. These issues show how important it is to test for thermal stability in real-world applications.

The Impact of Thermal Stability Testing on Safety and Reliability

Testing for thermal stability is essential for safety. It helps ensure that materials can handle high temperatures without breaking down. This testing also helps improve product reliability. It ensures that products last longer and work as expected. Without proper testing, materials may fail, leading to unsafe conditions. Therefore, thermal stability testing is crucial for the safety, reliability, and longevity of many products.

Knowledge Expansion

Issues in DSC Sample Preparation

DSC is a common tool for testing thermal stability. However, sometimes, it does not show consistent results. There are two main reasons for this: Is the sample representative? Is the testing environment the same each time? The DSC crucible is small, usually holding less than 10mg of material. This can make it hard to prepare a good sample, especially for mixtures like suspensions. To improve this, you can try these methods: (1) Use ultrasonic dispersion and quickly place the sample into the crucible. (2) Separate different parts of the sample and add them to the crucible based on their mass ratio. (3) Test each part of the sample separately.

Thermal Runaway Decomposition Risk in DSC Testing

DSC tests give energy data for material decomposition. However, it cannot show pressure changes. If the DSC test shows little or no exothermic heat, it might not indicate the full risk of thermal runaway. In such cases, other types of calorimetric tools should be used to get more information. These tools can help to better assess the risk of thermal runaway.

Materials for Sealed Crucibles in DSC Testing

DSC typically uses crucibles with volumes of 25μl or 40μl, holding samples of 1-10mg. Some materials, like peroxides or aromatic hydrocarbons, can be affected by metal catalysis. This is especially true in small crucibles, where the contact area between the sample and the crucible is much larger than in larger industrial vessels. This larger contact area can amplify the catalytic effects and change the test results.

Boost Your Thermal Testing with the DSC-40AE

The DSC-40AE delivers precise thermal stability testing across a wide range of materials. It accurately measures heat flow differences in real-time, providing reliable data. With exceptional sensitivity, it identifies phase transitions and thermal decomposition. The intuitive touchscreen ensures simple operation, while its advanced design minimizes interference for more dependable results. Count on fast, accurate, and safe testing to optimize performance. Take your testing to the next level today!