DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis) and DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) are thermal analysis techniques that measure the changes in heat flow associated with a material as it is subjected to controlled heating or cooling. Endothermic peaks in DTA and DSC typically indicate energy absorption by the sample, which can be associated with physical changes such as:
Melting: When a solid undergoes melting, it absorbs heat energy from its surroundings to overcome the intermolecular forces holding its molecules together. This process results in an endothermic peak on the DTA or DSC curve.
Sublimation: When a solid directly transitions into a gas phase without passing through the liquid phase, it absorbs heat energy from its surroundings to overcome intermolecular forces between its molecules. This process also results in an endothermic peak on the DTA or DSC curve.
Phase transitions: Some materials exhibit reversible phase transitions at specific temperatures, such as polymorphic transformations, glass transitions, or desolvation processes. These changes involve reorganization of molecular arrangements within the material and can result in an endothermic peak on the DTA or DSC curve.
Adsorption/desorption: Adsorption and desorption of gases onto/from a material surface can also result in endothermic peaks on the DTA or DSC curve due to energy being absorbed/evolved during these processes.
Decomposition: Some materials may decompose upon heating, releasing products and absorbing heat energy in an endothermic reaction.
Overall, any physical change that involves absorption of heat energy by the sample can lead to an endothermic peak on the DTA or DSC curve.