Top-view analysis of ultrafast differential scanning calorimetry data

Abstract

Ultrafast differential scanning calorimetry is the third-generation technique of differential thermal-analysis. It can fast heat up to 60000 K/s or fast cool down to 40000 K/s, so its temperature-changing rate spans five orders of magnitude, and permit repeating experiments on compounds or materials with a melting point lower than 1000 ℃. The unique rate of temperature change allows it to record structural changes of sample in milliseconds, producing a significant number of data. A “top-view” graph is suggested in this study for data analysis. It basically projects the heat flow onto a plane of variables such as temperature, rate or time and uses color contrast to describe the intensity change of heat flow. The issues with “side-view” graphs, where it is a challenge to discern rate or time from several curves, are successfully resolved by this novel technique. It can also realize a comparison of the kinetics among several co-existing physical events. Using an Au-based metallic glass as an example material, this work collects the data from four “side-view” graphs in literature, replots the data on “top-view” graphs, and compares pros and cons. Any substance or material to be examined by utilizing fast differential scanning calorimetry can be examined through using the “top-view” approach. It is useful not only for data analysis but also for constructing processing maps for novel materials, finding new structural transitions, and examining the kinetic behaviors of physical phenomena. All the data presented in this paper are openly available at https://doi.org/ 10.57760/sciencedb.j00213.00012.