Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis, Laboratory
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course presents the theoretical principles of Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC, Thermogravimetry, TMA, DMA) and the corresponding instrumentation with the help of laboratory training and exercises of data treatment. As for the specific application to the cultural heritage, the course includes techniques of micro-sampling and the investigation based on the artificial aging of materials.
Expected learning outcomes
The student acquires the basic expertise to collect micro-samples for the experimental investigation and to plan programs of artificial aging that may reproduce the spontaneous or damage-induced degradation of the materials. The laboratory experience adds some awareness of the sensitivity of the experimental approach and the importance of combining Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis with other kinds of investigation.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Front Lectures:
Fundaments of Thermodynamics: enthalpy and heat capacity
Fundaments of Chemical Kinetics: progress degree of a given process
Relationship between process rate and associate heat flux
Experimental detection of the heat flux: various kinds of calorimeters
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): examples of current instruments
The calorimetric trace: base line, signal, underlying area
Thermo-Gravimetry Analysis (TGA): how a thermo-balance works. TGA and DTG trace
Combined TG and DSC: advantages of the combination and uses to characterize materials
Calorimetric and thermal analysis applications for the characterization of the aging of materials associated with processes of: protein denaturation (parchments, egg, etc.); crystallization (fats and oils, polymers and other materials); glass transition (amorphous materials); gelation (polysaccharides), aggregation, oxidation, decomposition.
Principles of Thermo-Mechanical and Dynamico-Mechanical Analysis (TMA and DMA). Current instruments
Laboratory:
Preparation and execution of an DSC experiment on material of interest in the field of cultural heritage
Preparation and execution of a (TGA) experiment on material of interest in the field of cultural heritage
Processing of DSC and TG data obtained.
Fundaments of Thermodynamics: enthalpy and heat capacity
Fundaments of Chemical Kinetics: progress degree of a given process
Relationship between process rate and associate heat flux
Experimental detection of the heat flux: various kinds of calorimeters
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): examples of current instruments
The calorimetric trace: base line, signal, underlying area
Thermo-Gravimetry Analysis (TGA): how a thermo-balance works. TGA and DTG trace
Combined TG and DSC: advantages of the combination and uses to characterize materials
Calorimetric and thermal analysis applications for the characterization of the aging of materials associated with processes of: protein denaturation (parchments, egg, etc.); crystallization (fats and oils, polymers and other materials); glass transition (amorphous materials); gelation (polysaccharides), aggregation, oxidation, decomposition.
Principles of Thermo-Mechanical and Dynamico-Mechanical Analysis (TMA and DMA). Current instruments
Laboratory:
Preparation and execution of an DSC experiment on material of interest in the field of cultural heritage
Preparation and execution of a (TGA) experiment on material of interest in the field of cultural heritage
Processing of DSC and TG data obtained.
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematics, General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physics
Teaching methods
Front lectures, Calorimetry Laboratory, IT exercises on data analysis.
Teaching Resources
The teaching material consists of handouts provided during the course. Added to this are the slides presented during the lessons (pdf files) and scientific articles. Details and downloadable material are available on Ariel. Finally links to websites for chemical education and textbooks for specific insights are recommended.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment of the actual achievement of the expected learning results by the student takes place through an oral exam with presentation of a laboratory report and a brief dissertation (10-minute PowerPoint presentation) on a topic chosen by the student.
The following will be generally evaluated: knowledge of the theoretical principles of calorimetry and thermal analysis; the consistency of the laboratory report; the degree of study of the topic chosen by the student and the inherent bibliographical choice.
To take the exam, you must register by the deadline set on the UNIMIA platform http://www.unimi.it/).
The evaluation is expressed by a mark out of thirty.
The vote is communicated to each individual student by automated e-mail from the university minutes.
Students with SLD and disabilities are asked to contact the teacher via email at least 10 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the teacher, it is necessary to CC the respective University Services: [email protected] (for students with SLD) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities)
The following will be generally evaluated: knowledge of the theoretical principles of calorimetry and thermal analysis; the consistency of the laboratory report; the degree of study of the topic chosen by the student and the inherent bibliographical choice.
To take the exam, you must register by the deadline set on the UNIMIA platform http://www.unimi.it/).
The evaluation is expressed by a mark out of thirty.
The vote is communicated to each individual student by automated e-mail from the university minutes.
Students with SLD and disabilities are asked to contact the teacher via email at least 10 days before the scheduled exam date to agree on any individualized measures. In the email addressed to the teacher, it is necessary to CC the respective University Services: [email protected] (for students with SLD) and [email protected] (for students with disabilities)
Professor(s)