Test standards Alpine supports: ASTM D3418, ASTM D3895, ISO 22768, & custom methods
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a precise analytical method used to measure the heat flow into and out of a material as it is heated or cooled, providing detailed information on how materials respond to temperature changes. This test is used to characterize thermal transitions in elastomers, plastics, and composites such as glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point, crystallization behavior, and heat capacity. DSC is typically performed after Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) in the polymer characterization hierarchy, providing higher-resolution information on thermal properties once basic decomposition behavior is known. DSC testing supports a range of analytical needs including failure analysis, material qualification, and formulation verification for elastomers, plastics, and composites.
Alpine Polytech provides DSC testing with professional interpretation of results to help customers understand their materials and make informed decisions. Whether you are qualifying new elastomers, plastics, or composites, investigating failures, or validating supplier materials, Alpine Polytech offers precise analytical testing and recommendations for next steps based on clear, actionable data.
Testing Details
ASTM D3418: Transition temperatures and enthalpies of fusion/crystallization of polymers by DSC.
ASTM D3895: Oxidative-induction time of plastics by DSC.
ASTM D7426: Procedure for determining glass transition of polymers through DSC.
ISO 11357: Procedure for calorimetry of plastics.
ISO 22768: Procedure for determining Tg of rubbers through DSC.
During a DSC test, a small sample (5-20 mg) is placed in an aluminum pan and heated or cooled at a controlled rate. The system measures the difference in heat flow between the sample and an empty reference pan as the temperature changes, detecting endothermic or exothermic events within the material. These thermal events indicate transitions such as softening points, glass transition points, or the onset of degradation. The data obtained from DSC can determine if a material meets its thermal performance requirements, if crystallization behavior has changed due to processing or aging, or if a failure may be related to improper thermal properties.