Differential Thermal Analysis: Effect of Particle Size

Abstract

SINCE differential thermal analysis involves the approach to equilibrium while the conditions are regularly changing (steady temperature increase), the recorded temperature of transformation depends on the reaction rate. This rate is affected by a catalyst. Rees¹ states that although the theory of catalytic action is only just being established, the dominant role of defects is generally accepted. More defects cause a decrease in the degree of crystallinity, which lowers the recorded temperature of transformation, as shown by the experimental results quoted by van der Marel².