ASTM D6604-00

Glass Transition Temperatures of Hydrocarbon Resins by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

The standard scope covers the determination of the glass transition temperatures of hydrocarbon (HC) resins by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

This practice consists of continuously monitoring the difference in heat input between a reference material and a test material with a suitable sensing device as the test material is heated or cooled at a controlled rate, in a controlled atmosphere, and due to energy changes in the material.

Test Procedure:

- The sample to be tested is prepared in such a way that approximately 10 – 20 mg of sample is homogeneous and representative of the product.
- A pre-thermal cycle is performed at a heating rate of 10°C/min until a temperature high enough to erase the previous thermal and strain history.
- This temperature is held for 10 minutes.
- It is cooled to 50°C below the relevant expected transition temperature.
- This temperature is kept for 10 minutes.
- Heating is repeated on the same sample at a rate of 10°C/minute and the heating curve is recorded until all desired transitions are completed.

Thermal analysis provides a quick method to determine transition temperatures in HC resins that have them. This app is useful for both quality assurance and research.