Meaning
Standardized thermal analysis provides a consistent framework for measuring the phase transitions and heat capacity of plastics. The dsc iso 11357 document defines the procedures for heating or cooling a specimen alongside a reference to observe the energy absorbed or released. This allows laboratories to determine the melting point, glass transition temperature and crystallinity of a resin with high repeatability.
By following this global benchmark, suppliers and molders ensure that their thermal data is comparable across different testing facilities and regions.
Testing Protocol
Calibration of the instrument using high-purity metals like indium is the first requirement of the methodology. Under dsc iso 11357, the sample must be prepared in a specific mass range and placed in a crucible that ensures good thermal contact with the sensor. The heating rate is typically set at ten or twenty degrees per minute to allow for clear identification of thermal events.
Deviating from these settings can shift the observed peaks and lead to incorrect material identification.
Thermal Data
Analysis of the resulting thermogram reveals the fingerprint of the polymer. The dsc iso 11357 procedure helps identify the onset of melting and the peak temperature where the crystalline structure fully collapses. Cooling scans are equally useful for determining the crystallization temperature which governs the required cycle time in a molding machine.
These values help engineers set the correct barrel temperatures and cooling water flow rates for a stable process.
Compliance Requirement
Quality agreements between resin manufacturers and automotive or medical customers often mandate this specific test. Providing a report that cites dsc iso 11357 confirms that the material has been vetted using recognized scientific rigor. It prevents disputes over material substitution because the thermal signature must match the approved master curve.
Retaining these records provides a defensive audit trail in the event of field failures.
