DSC, or Differential scanning calorimetry, is a thermal analysis technique that measures the rate of heat flow in a sample while exposed to a controlled temperature program. This technique can be used to evaluate material properties such as glass transition temperature, melting and boiling points, crystallization, specific heat capacity, cure process, purity, oxidation behavior, and thermal stability.

To perform testing, a small sample of material is placed in a closed crucible, which is then placed in a temperature-controlled DSC cell. A second, empty crucible is also placed in the DSC cell as a reference. When the sample undergoes a physical transformation such as a phase transition, the heat flow will either increase or decrease in value compared to the heat flow of the reference to keep both crucibles at the same temperature. The difference in heat flow rate determines variations in material composition, crystallinity and other properties. 

Keywords: ASTM D3418, ASTM D3895, ISO 22768, DSC, Differential scanning calorimetry, melting point, melting range, heat capacity, crystallization, glass transition, thermal stability, decomposition temperature