Selected thermoanalytical methods and their applications from medicine to construction

There are many thermoanalytical techniques but only several of them such as thermogravimetric analysis (TG), high resolution thermogravimetric analysis (Hi-Res™ TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), evolved gas analysis (EGA), transient thermal analysis (TTA) and thermal conductivity (k) have selected to be discussed in this paper. Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) is ideal for investigating issues such as the glass transition of modified glasses, binder burnout, dehydration of ceramic materials or decomposition behaviour of inorganic building materials, also with gas analysis. Selected applications of various thermoanalytical techniques from medicine to construction have also been discussed in this paper.     

Polylactide-based polyurethane and its shape-memory behavior

A series of polylactide polyurethanes (PLAUs) were synthesized from poly(l-lactide) diols, hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). Their thermal and mechanical properties and shape-memory behavior were studied by infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), tensile testing, and thermal mechanical analysis (TMA). The T_gs of these polymers were in the range of 33-53 °C, and influenced by the M_n of the PLA diol and the ratio of the soft-segment to the hard-segment. These materials can restore their shapes almost completely after 150% elongation or twofold compression. By changing the M_n of the PLA diol and the ratio of the hard-to-soft-segment, their T_gs and shape-recovery temperatures can be adjusted to the neighborhood of the body temperature. Therefore, these PLAUs are expected to find practical medical applications.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(propylene carbonate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites by solution intercalation

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) is a new biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonate. However, the poor thermal stability and low glass transition temperatures (T_g) have limited its applications. To improve the thermal properties of PPC, organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) was mixed with PPC by a solution intercalation method to produce nanocomposites. An intercalated-and-flocculated structure of PPC/OMMT nanocomposites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal and mechanical properties of PPC/OMMT nanocomposites were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and electronic tensile tester. Due to the nanometer-sized dispersion of layered silicate in polymer matrix, PPC/OMMT nanocomposites exhibit improved thermal and mechanical properties than pure PPC. When the OMMT content is 4 wt%, the PPC/OMMT nanocomposite shows the best thermal and mechanical properties. These results indicate that nanocomposition is an efficient and convenient method to improve the properties of PPC.     

Thermal properties of polyimide system containing silicone segments

The influence of the structure properties relationships of silicone incorporated polyimide (PI) on thermal stability was investigated by using single scan thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in nitrogen. Four systems have been synthesized based on monomer 4-(4-(1-(4-(4-aminophenoxy) phenyl)-1-methylethyl) phenoxy) aniline (BAPP)/3,3??,4,4??-Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride including parent PI (S-1), PI siloxane copolymer (S-2 and S-3), and PI siloxane hybrid (S-4). The derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) and DSC curves indicate a double and single stage decomposition process and glass transition temperature (T _g), respectively. While the PI, PIS, and PSH showed distinctive features towards thermal analysis, it was found that the rate of degradation (???/??t) was influenced by the flexibility of Si?CO?CSi in the backbone and in Si?CO?CSi itself. These results revealed that the presence of Si?CO?CSi in either the backbone or matrix indicates its stability with regard to high thermal service applications.     

Thermodynamic insights into n-alkanes phase change materials for thermal energy storage

n-Alkanes have been widely used as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage applications because of their exceptional phase transition performance, high chemical stability, long term cyclic stability and non-toxicity. However, the thermodynamic properties, especially heat capacity, of n-alkanes have rarely been comprehensively investigated in a wide temperature range, which would be insufficient for design and utilization of n-alkanes-based thermal energy storage techniques. In this study, the thermal properties of n-alkanes (C₁₈H₃₈-C₂₂H₄₆), such as thermal stability, thermal conductivity, phase transition temperature and enthalpy were systematically studied by different thermal analysis and calorimetry methods, and compared with previous results. Thermodynamic property of these n-alkanes was studied in a wide temperature range from 1.9 K to 370 K using a combined relaxation (Physical Property Measurement System, PPMS), differential scanning and adiabatic calorimetry method, and the corresponding thermodynamic functions, such as entropy and enthalpy, were calculated based on the heat capacity curve fitting. Most importantly, the heat capacities and related thermodynamic functions of n-heneicosane and n-docosane were reported for the first time in this work, as far as we know. This research work would provide accurate and reliable thermodynamic properties for further study of n-alkanes-based PCMs for thermal energy storage applications.     

Thermochemistry of some complexes of chromium(III) with imidazoles

The thermal decomposition in air of several complexes of chromium(III) with imidazole,N-methylimidazole and 2-methylimidazole has been studied with the aid of differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) in the temperature range 25–600°C. Although the final process of the decomposition gives Cr₂O₃, there are interesting differences in the complete process of decomposition. The reasons for these differences appear to be related to the trans-effect and to the presence in the imidazole complexes of hydrogen bonds. Enthalpies of the several decomposition reactions have been determined by differential thermal analysis.     

Application of thermal analysis methods for characterization of polymer/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Thermal analysis is a useful tool for investigating the properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites and mechanisms of improvement of thermal properties. This review work presents examples of applications of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry (MT-DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimeric analysis (TG) and thermoanalytical methods i.e. TG coupled with Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and mass spectroscopy (TG-MS) in characterization of nanocomposite materials. Complex behavior of different polymeric matrices upon modification with montmorillonite is briefly discussed.     

Thermal studies of chitin–chitosan derivatives

New poly(azo) amino-chitosan compounds were obtained from the azo coupling reaction of N-benzyl chitosan and diazonium salts. The thermal behavior of these compounds was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), TG coupled with a Fourier-transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TG/DTG curves of chitin–chitosan polymer showed two thermal events attributed to water loss and decomposition of the polysaccharide after cross-linking reactions. Thermal analysis of the poly(azo) amino-chitosan compounds showed that the decomposition temperatures decreased when compared to the starting chitin–chitosan and N-benzyl chitosan. DSC results showed an agreement with the TG/DTG analyses. Thermal behavior of poly(azo) amino-chitosans suggest that these compounds could be considered as potential thermal sensors.     

Recent developments in the application of thermal analysis techniques in fossil fuels

In this review, application of thermal analysis techniques (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, etc.) for fossil fuel characterization and kinetics are reviewed between 2001 and 2006. The results presented clearly showed that thermal analysis applications are well-established techniques used in fossil fuel research area.     

Selecting polymers for medical devices based on thermal analytical methods

This biomaterials overview for selecting polymers for medical devices focuses on polymer materials, properties and performance. An improved understanding of thermoplastics and thermoset properties is accomplished by thermal analysis for device applications. The medical applications and requirements as well as the oxidative and mechanical stability of currently used polymers in devices are discussed. The tools used to aid the ranking of the thermoplastics and thermosets are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) as well as a number of key ASTM polymer tests. This paper will spotlight the thermal and mechanical characterization of the bio-compatible polymers e.g., olefins, nylon, polyacetals, polyvinyl chloride and polyesters.     

Synthesis, growth, thermal, optical, mechanical and dielectric studies of N-succinopyridine

Organic nonlinear optical (NLO) material, N-succinopyridine (NSP), was synthesised and bulk single crystals were grown from aqueous solution using isothermal solvent evaporation technique. The stoichiometric form of NSP has been confirmed by carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen analysis. NSP crystallizes in orthorhombic system with non-centrosymmetric space group P2₁2₁2₁ and unit cell dimensions a = 7.721(2) Å, b = 7.762(3) Å, c = 14.951(3) Å. The thermal stability, thermal decomposition and specific heat capacity of NSP have been investigated by thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis and modulated DSC analysis. A wide transparency window, 294–1,100 nm, useful for optoelectronic applications is indicated by UV–Vis–NIR studies. The NLO second harmonic generation efficiency analysis using Nd:YAG laser (1,064 nm) revealed that the SHG efficiency of NSP is about 1.2 times higher than that of standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate powder of comparable size and more importantly that it is phase-matchable. The room temperature mechanical behaviours of NSP have been tested using Vicker’s microhardness tester and the results were analysed through classical Mayer’s law. The dielectric behaviours such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and ac conductivity of NSP single crystal have also been investigated as a function of frequency (20 Hz–1 MHz) and temperature (308–358 K).     

Thermal transition of electrochemically synthesized polyaniline

The thermal stability of polyaniline (PAni) is of great importance in commercial applications. PAni and its emeraldine base form (PAni-EB) were electrochemically synthesized and subjected to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in inert atmosphere, which illustrated that the dopant HClO₄ could act as the oxidizing agent at elevated temperature and caused serious decomposition of PAni. Combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses, the crosslinking reaction among PAni-EB molecules at about 250 °C was characterized, and the kinetic parameters were calculated by applying different heating rates in the DSC measurement.     

Thermophysical, mechanical and dielectric studies on piperidinium p-hydroxybenzoate

Single crystals of recently identified nonlinear optical material, piperidinium p-hydroxybenzoate (PDPHB), were grown by solution cooling method. It crystallizes in a monoclinic system with a noncentrosymmetric space group Cc. Thermal stability and decomposition behavior of PDPHB are illustrated through thermogravimetric, differential thermal and differential calorimetric analysis. The thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity of the grown crystals, which are the three most important thermo-physical parameters in heat transfer calculations, are calculated by an improved photopyroelectric technique. The room temperature hardness test has been performed on crystallographic planes (200), (020), and (002) using Vickers microhardness tester and the results are analyzed through the classical Meyer’s law. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and ac conductivity are studied as a function of frequency (100 Hz to 1 MHz) and temperature (313–363 K). All these studies are performed for the first time and aimed to explore the useful and safe region of thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties to enhance effectiveness of PDPHB crystals for device fabrications.     

An investigation of the properties of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-bioinspired silica hybrids

Elastomers typically require the incorporation of reinforcing fillers in order to improve their mechanical properties. For commercial silicone systems silica and titania are typically used as fillers. Fumed and precipitated silica are made on an industrial scale for many applications; however, we have shown recently that biological and synthetic macromolecules can generate new silica structures using a bioinspired route. Herein we have incorporated bioinspired silica fillers into poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomers and investigated their mechanical, morphological and thermal properties as a function of filler loading. The equilibrium stress-strain characteristics of the PDMS-bioinspired silica hybrids were determined as a function of bioinspired filler loading and the Mooney-Rivlin constants (2C₁ and 2C₂) were calculated. The thermal characteristics, in particular glass transition temperatures (T_g) and melting points (T_m), of the PDMS-bioinspired silica hybrids were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of these hybrid materials were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphology of the samples was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the filler dispersion was characterized using ultra small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Although spherical silica particles were used here, we have demonstrated elsewhere that this bioinspired synthetic route also enables highly asymmetric silica structures to be prepared such as fibres and sheets. This methodology therefore offers the interesting possibility of preparing new hybrid systems where the properties are highly anisotropic.     

Thermal,structural and rheological properties of starch from avocado seeds (Persea americana,Miller) modified with standard sodium hypochlorite solutions

The avocado (Persea americana, Miller) is a tree that is native to Central/North America (Mexico) and it is very popular worldwide due to its food applications. Its seeds contain an important amount of starch and there is lack of study and understanding regarding the physico-chemical properties of this biopolymer. In this research, starch granules were extracted from avocado seeds and oxidised with standard sodium hypochlorite solutions at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 %. Untreated and modified samples were investigated using the following techniques: simultaneous thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, non-contact atomic force microscopy, rapid viscoamylographic analysis and X-ray powder patterns diffractometry. The main purpose was to investigate the thermal, structural and rheological behaviour of native and oxidised avocado starch, and it was verified that the treated samples showed a decrease in gelatinisation enthalpy and average roughness as well as in the degree of relative crystallinity and pasting properties.     

Differential thermal analysis of some fibers containing chlorine

The differential thermal analysis curves of four fibers containing chlorine (Saran, Cordelan, Teklan and Kanekalon), and their blends, are influenced by experimental conditions, although not to the same extent as those of poly(vinyl chloride) resin in powder form. The curves were determined using two different (Du Pont) cells, and are discussed in terms of sample holder geometry and material composition. The importance of procedural variables in “fingerprint” applications of thermal analysis for routine fiber identification is re-emphasised.     

2-Methoxybenzylidenepyruvatewith heavier trivalent lanthanides and yttrium(III)

Solid-state Ln(2-MeO-BP) compounds, where Ln stands for trivalent Eu to Lu and Y(III) and 2-MeO-BP (which is 2-methoxybenzylidenepyruvate) have been synthesized. Simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and other methods of analysis were used to characterize and to study these compounds. On the base of the obtained results an Ln(2MeO-BP)₃·nH₂O general formula can be established.     

Comparative thermal analysis of Eri,Mori, Muga,and Tussar silk cocoons and fibroin fibers

Wild silks are often extremely durable and have many advantages over the domesticated silk. In this study, three kinds of wild silks—Indian Antheraea mylitta (Tussar), Antheraea assama (Muga), and Philosamia ricini (Eri) silkworm cocoons were successfully degummed and their thermal properties were studied comparatively with domesticated Chinese mulberry (Bombyx mori) silkworm cocoons and fibers. Advanced thermal analysis methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature-modulated DSC were utilized to identify glass transition temperatures (T _g), heat capacity increments at T _g, and degradation temperatures of these silk materials. In addition, the bound water contents and the thermal degradation mechanisms of different silk systems were also quantified using thermogravimetric analysis. Compared with the mulberry silk materials, wild silk materials showed higher thermal stabilities, and variable degradation profiles. These comparative methods would offer a new pathway to understand the physical properties of silk-based biomaterials, such as their tunable thermal, mechanical, optical, and electrical properties. And it could provide useful insights for the development of new silk-based medical devices and sutures with controllable biological functions in the future.     

Thermal decomposition of some metal chelates of substituted hydrazopyrazolones

The thermal dissociation of 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-(X-phenylhydrazo)-5-pyrazolone metal chelates [M(XPhHyPy)](X=m-OH (I),m-OCH₃(II),m-COOH (III),p-CH₃ (IV),p-OCH₃ (V) orp-COCH₃ (VI) was studied by TG, DTG and differential thermal analysis (DTA). A rough sequence of thermal stability, obtained from the peak maximum temperatures, for the various metal chelates was Hg(II)2(II). The bonding of the ligands to metal ions was investigated by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The number and relative energies of nitrate combiantion frequencies are discussed in terms of the complexation of para-substituted hydrazopyrazolone with Th(IV) and UO₂(II) metal ions.     

Crystallization behavior, thermal property and biodegradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ethylene glycol) grafting copolymer

The poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)(PHB)/poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) grafting copolymer was successfully prepared by PHB and acrylate groups ended PEGM using AIBN as initiator. The crystallization behavior, thermal stability and environmental biodegradability of PHB/PEG grafting copolymers were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Biodegradation test in vitro. In the results, all the grafting copolymers were found to show the X-ray diffraction arising from the PHB crystal lattice, while none of the PEG crystallized peaks could be found even though the graft percent reached 20%. This result indicated that PEG molecules were randomly grafted onto PHB chain. The thermal properties measured by DSC showed that the melting temperature(T_m) and glass transition temperature (T_g) were both shifted to lower temperature with the graft percent increasing, and this broadened the narrow processability window of PHB. According to TGA results, the thermal stability of the grafting copolymers is not changed compared to pure PHB. From the biodegradation test, it could be concluded that degradation occurred gradually from the surface to the inside and that the degradation rate could be adjusted by the PEG grafting ratio. In another words, the biodegradation profiles of PHB/PEG grafting copolymer can be controlled. These properties make PHB/PEG grafting copolymer have promising potential applications especially in agriculture fields.