The applications and interest in thermal analysis and calorimetry have grown enormously during the last half of 20th century. The renaissance in these methods has been fueled by several influences, not least of which has been the revolution in instrumentation resulting from computer automation. Our ingenuity and vision have also expanded to recognize the tremendous versatility of these techniques. They have long been used to characterize materials, decompositions, and transitions. We now appreciate the fact that these techniques have greatly increased their utility in studying many processes such as catalysis, hazards evaluation, etc., or to measuring important physical properties quickly, conveniently, and with markedly improved accuracy. Consequently, thermal analysis and calorimetry have grown in stature and more scientists and engineers have become, at least part time, practitioners. It is very desirable that those who are new to the field can have a source of information describing the basic principles and current state of the art. Examples of the prevailing applications of these methods are also essential to spur recognition of the potential for future uses. The use of these methods is highly interdisciplinary and any adequate description must encompass a range of topics well beyond the interests and capabilities of any single investigator. To this end, a convenient four-volume compendium of such information has been prepared by recognized experts in various aspects of the topic. The editorial team has chosen authors with great care in an effort to produce a readable, informative handbook on this broad topic. The chapters are not intended to be a comprehensive review of the specific subject. The purpose is that they will enable the reader to glean the essence of the subject and form the basis for further critical reading or actual involvement in the topic. The goal of the editorial team is to spur the imagination to recognize the potential application of these methods to specific goals and efforts. In addition it is hoped to anticipate and answer questions, to guide the reader in the selection of appropriate techniques, and to help him perform them in a proper and meaningful manner.

Handbook of thermal analysis and calorimetry

Biomass pyrolysis kinetics: A comparative critical review with relevant agricultural residue case studies

A Differential Scanning Calorimeter for Quantitative Differential Thermal Analysis.

Starch gelatinization phenomena is extremely important in many food systems. This review focuses on factors affecting gelatinization characteristics of starch. Important variables which must be considered in design of processes in which starch undergoes gelatinization are heat of gelatinization and temperature of gelatinization. Major interactions are reviewed for the effects of lipids, moisture content, nonionic constituents and electrolytes on these characteristics. Furthermore, treatment of starch-containing systems prior to heating into the gelatinization temperature range can have a significant effect on ultimate gelatinization characteristics.

M. J. Vold

Papers

Differential Thermal Analysis