Differential scanning calorimetry – continuum mechanical considerations with focus to the polymerisation of adhesives†

TLDR: In this paper, the theoretical fundamentals of how to take classical and temperature-modulated DSC tests into account in order to model or identify the thermochemical parts of the specific-free energy, which is the most commonly used thermodynamic potential in continuum mechanics.

Abstract: To study temperature-induced changes in the specific enthalpy of materials, the differential scanning calorimetry technique (DSC) is a powerful experimental approach. It is well-established in physical chemistry and materials science but less familiar in continuum mechanics. In this context, the balance equation of energy in conjunction with the theory of internal variables is the fundamental aspect from the point of view of continuum mechanics. This paper presents the theoretical fundamentals of how to take classical and temperature-modulated DSC tests into account in order to model or identify the thermochemical parts of the specific-free energy, which is the most commonly used thermodynamic potential in continuum mechanics. The numerical examples treated in this work provide an insight into the possibilities of the DSC technique and into the constitutive representation of exothermal energy changes in curing adhesives.