Melting & solidification
Temperatures at which the sample melts or freezes.
Useful forMetals, alloys, salts, glassesThermal Analysis
DTA
Differential Thermal Analysis
DTA records the temperature difference between a sample and an inert reference as both are heated. Its peaks locate melting, phase changes, dehydration and reactions, up to high temperatures.
1 test optionSample vs inert reference (ΔT)Room temperature to ~1000 °CTypical turnaround 4–6 working days
DTA measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is DTA?
Differential Thermal Analysis heats a sample and an inert reference, usually alumina, side by side in one furnace. Thermocouples under the two crucibles measure their temperature difference (ΔT). When the sample melts, loses water or reacts, it lags behind or runs ahead of the reference, giving a peak.
DTA is simple, robust and reaches higher temperatures than most DSC cells, which suits minerals, ceramics, glasses and metals. It is mainly qualitative: it shows where endothermic and exothermic events happen, while DSC is preferred when accurate enthalpy values are needed.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Crucibles are filled
The sample and an inert reference powder are loaded into matching crucibles.
- 02
Heated side by side
Both crucibles sit on thermocouples inside the furnace, which heats them at a steady rate.
- 03
Temperature difference
Opposed thermocouples measure ΔT, which stays near zero until the sample changes.
- 04
Peaks mark events
ΔT is plotted against temperature: dips are endothermic events, rises are exothermic.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Phase transitions
Solid-state changes such as polymorphic or crystal-structure transitions.
Useful forMinerals, ceramics, alloysDehydration & decomposition
Loss of water, hydroxyl groups or carbonates, seen as endothermic peaks.
Useful forClays, minerals, hydrates, carbonatesOxidation & combustion
Exothermic events as a sample oxidises or burns in air.
Useful forOrganics, carbons, fuels, coatingsGlass transition & devitrification
Glass transition and crystallisation peaks as a glass is heated.
Useful forGlasses, glass-ceramics04 / Test options
Choose the DTA options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Powders, granules and small solid pieces; liquids after discussion
- Quantity
- About 100 mg per sample (5–20 mg is used per run)
- Particle size
- Fine, even powder preferred for good thermal contact
- Conditions
- Say which atmosphere (nitrogen or air) and end temperature you need
- Grind samples to a fine, even powder where possible
- Mention any events you expect, e.g. melting or dehydration
- Send in sealed, labelled containers
- No samples that may attack or alloy with alumina or platinum crucibles
- No explosive, energetic or self-reactive materials
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- DTA curve (ΔT vs temperature)
- Onset and peak temperatures of each event
- Endothermic or exothermic assignment of peaks
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 4–6 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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