Thermal analysis is a branch of
materials science where the properties of materials are studied as they change
with temperature. Several methods are commonly used - these are distinguished
from one another by the property which is measured:
Differential thermal analysis (DTA):
temperature difference
Differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC): heat difference
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA):
mass
Thermomechanical analysis (TMA):
dimension
Dilatometry (DIL): volume
Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) :
mechanical stiffness & damping
Dielectric thermal analysis (DEA):
dielectric permittivity & loss factor
Evolved gas analysis
(EGA) : gaseous decomposition products
Thermo-optical
analysis(TOA) : optical properties