Meaning
Standardized testing methodologies dictate the procedures for performing differential scanning calorimetry on plastics and polymers. Under the iso 11357 standard, laboratories measure thermal transitions such as glass transition, melting, and crystallization temperatures. It provides a common framework for material characterization in both quality control and research environments.
Thermal Analysis
Differential scanning calorimetry measures the difference in heat flow between a sample and a reference pan. When following the iso 11357 standard, operators subject polymer specimens to controlled heating or cooling runs. This process identifies transition temperatures and enthalpy changes by observing baseline shifts and peak areas.
Accurate measurements depend on precise control of the specimen mass and the purge gas flow.
Material Characterization
Polymers exhibit complex thermal histories that affect their physical properties and processing behavior. The iso 11357 series allows researchers to eliminate this thermal history by running a double heating cycle. During the first scan, the specimen is melted to erase previous thermal influences.
The second scan then reveals the intrinsic thermal behavior of the material under standard cooling conditions.
Testing Protocol
Standardized testing ensures that results can be compared across different laboratories and equipment brands. To comply with the iso 11357 guidelines, testing facilities must calibrate their instruments regularly for both temperature and heat flow. This calibration must use certified reference materials under identical gas flow rates.
Adhering to these protocols prevents experimental errors and ensures the reliability of the reported polymer data.
