Page 12 - Handbook of Thermal Analysis of Construction Materials

Preface

A substance subjected to thermal treatment may undergo physico-
chemical processes involving weight changes, crystalline transitions, me-
chanical properties, enthalpy, magnetic susceptibility, optical properties,
acoustic properties, etc. Thermal techniques follow such changes, generally
as a function of temperature, that could extend from subzero to very high
temperatures. Several types of thermal techniques are in use and examples
include thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, differential scan-
ning calorimetry, thermomechanical analysis, derivative thermogravimetry,
dynamic thermal analysis, dielectric analysis, and emanation thermal analy-
sis. A related technique that is extensively applied to investigate inorganic
construction materials is called conduction calorimetry which measures the
rate of heat changes, as a function of time or temperature.
Thermal analysis techniques have been employed to study various types
of inorganic and organic construction materials. They have been applied
more extensively to the investigation of inorganic materials. Useful informa-
tion generated by the use of these techniques includes: characterization,
identification of compounds, estimation of materials, kinetics of reactions,
mechanisms, synthesis of compounds, quality control of raw materials,
rheological changes, glass transitions, and causes leading to the deterioration
of materials. Thermal techniques are also used in combination with other
techniques such as chemical analysis, x-ray diffraction, infrared analysis,
and scanning electron microscopy.

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