Course Information
Course Title: Industrial Problem Solving Using Thermal Analysis Techniques
Categories: 1 - Polymers
2 - Thermal Analysis
Instructor(s): Anthony Parker, Joe Marcinko Course Number: 88
Affiliation: A. A. Parker Consulting, LLC
Course Date: 03/11/2012 - Sunday Course Length: 1 Day Course
Start Time: 08:30 AM End Time: 05:00 PM
Fee: $455 ($655 after 2/13/12) Textbook Fee:

Course Description
This course emphasizes the practical applications of thermal analysis techniques in real world problem solving situations (commonly experienced in industrial and academic work environments). A brief background of the most common TA methods will be given; including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Case studies illustrating how these techniques can be collectively used to solve industrial process and product development problems will be presented.

Target Audience
This course emphasizes the practical applications of TA techniques in real world problem solving situations (commonly found in industrial and academic work environments). The subject matter is appropriate for technical professionals and managers with academic backgrounds in all fields of chemistry. Prior thermal analysis experience is not required.

Course Outline
Industrial Problem Solving Using Thermal Analysis Techniques

o Introduction  
o Course Description
o Course Objectives
o Learn the basics of the techniques – DSC, TGA, TGA-MS, TMA, DMA
o Learn how to use multiple thermal analysis techniques in tandem to solve process and performance problems in product development – examples including composites, coatings, and process studies
o Learn how to identify the nature of transitions in polymeric materials
o Understand the principles of time-temperature-equivalence and applications, i.e. learn how to use thermal analysis data to develop models for time-temperature dependent mechanical behavior
o Develop an appreciation for when to use a particular TA technique
o Philosophy
o Analytical chemistry and product development
o The traditional role of the analytical chemist
o The new paradigm
o Thermal Analysis - Principles, Techniques, and Applications  
o DSC
o What is DSC? 
o Important issues
o Calibration effects
o Heating rate, purge gas (in particular the difference between helium and air/N2)
o Heating versus cooling
o Sample pans - when to use what type 
o Sample prep, thermal history  (i.e. real vs. experimentally induced phenomena)
o Versions of DSC
o Miscellaneous techniques
o Modulated DSC (MDSC)
o Heat capacity
o Std. method with curve subtraction
o Kinetics – brief review
o ASTM E698 - variable program method
o Practical examples of when it works and when it doesn't 
o Isothermal vs. Dynamic DSC  
o Physical aging 
o Physical aging of PVC (i.e. polymers) 
o Physical aging of Selenium 
o Melting, crystallization, etc.  
o Polymer process application example – Using DSC to discern the effect of additives on melt transitions

o TGA 
o What is TGA?
o Important issues
o Calibrations
o Thermocouple issues 
o Purge gases 
o Decomposition kinetics
o Examples: Adhesives and Carbon Catalyst Stability
o Application Case Study
o Case Studies - surface adsorption; ZnO and organosilaneson alumina (TGA/MS and other techniques)

o TMA 
o What is TMA?
o Instrumentation and Probe Considerations
o Applications/Examples
o Glass temperature
o Melt Transitions
o Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 

o DMA 
o What is DMA?
o Description of fixed frequency, creep, and stress relaxation experiments
o Simple mechanical models 
o DMA Experimental Issues
o Establishing parameters for analyses – linear viscoelastic region, thermal history
o Error in dynamic experiments
o Instrument induced
o Operator induced

o Applications/Examples
o Types of Relaxations and Transitions
o How do we identify the type of transition?
o Tg vs. localized glassy state motions
o Empirical correlations 
o Activation energy concept
o Examples of localized glassy state transitions
o NMR and the Tg Process
o Time temperature superposition experiments
o WLF equation and free volume theory 

o Solid State NMR as a Thermal Analysis Technique 

o Solution vs. solids state NMR
o NMR relaxation data
o Linewidth and line shape
o NMR and mechanical data correlations

o Case Studies - utilizing multiple techniques to solve the problem. 
o Polymer Process Case Studies - Recipe for Successful Structure-Property-Process Studies 
o Applications of TA in Polyurethane Development  
o TA techniques in composites and filled polymers
o TA and coatings performance 
o Characterization of Epoxy Adhesives 

o Questions and Discussion – Analysis of specific problems from course participants

Course Instructor's Biography
Anthony Parker, Ph.D. is a Principal Scientist and founder of A.A. Parker Consulting, LLC. Dr. Parker has 27 years of industrial experience in research, development, and management. His interests and expertise are in the areas of surface chemistry and adhesion, mechanical properties of polymers, UV curable coatings, structure-property-process relationships, thermal analytical methods, spectroscopic methods (NMR, FTIR), and musical strings/ instruments. Dr. Parker has authored over 50 publications, with more than 25 patents and several patents pending. Joseph Marcinko, Ph.D. is a Principal Scientist and founder of Polymer Synergies LLC. Dr. Marcinko has 26 years of combined industrial R&D, management, and academic experience. His interests and expertise are in the areas of polyurethane chemistry, adhesion science, polymer characterization, NMR spectroscopy, and polymer structure -property relationships. He is an adjunct professor at Cumberland County College where he teaches Physical Science, Environmental Science, and Principles of Science. He also holds a secondary education teaching certification. Dr. Marcinko has authored over 30 publications, and has 4 patents plus 5 patents pending.