Top-view analysis of ultrafast differential scanning calorimetry data

Abstract

Fast differential scanning calorimetry is the third-generation technique of differential thermal-analysis. It offers provides fast heating up to 60,000 K s<sup>-1</sup> or fast cooling up to 40,000 K s<sup>-1</sup>, has a temperature-changing rate spanning five orders of magnitude, and permits repeating experiments on compounds or materials with a melting point lower than 1,000 ℃. The exceptional rate of temperature change allows it to record sample structural changes in milliseconds while also producing a significant amount of data. A “top-view” graph is suggested in this study for data analysis. It basically projects the heat flow onto a plane of variables such as temperature, rate or time and employs color contrast to describe the intensity change of heat flow. The issues with “side-view” graphs, where it is challenging to discern rate or time from several curves, are successfully resolved by this novel technique. It also accomplishes the goal of comparing the kinetics of several co-existing physical events. Using an Au-based metallic glass as an example material, this work gathers data from four "side-view" graphs in literature, replots the data in "top-view" graphs, and compares the benefits and drawbacks. Any substance or material that is being examined utilizing fast differential scanning calorimetry can be examined using the "top-view" approach. It is useful not only for data analysis but also for building processing maps for novel materials, finding new structural transitions, and examining the kinetic behaviors of physical phenomena.