Differential scanning thermal analysis of shape-memory polymers, polymer blends and composites

Abstract

Calorimetry is the primary technique for measuring the thermal properties of materials. From calorimetric methods, it is possible to perform a correlation between temperature, structure, and the physicochemical properties of the materials. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) is one of the most common methods used to determine the thermal properties in polymeric materials. To determine the thermal properties of thermally activated polymeric materials is fundamental for the development of the programming cycle of these materials. This chapter presents a brief discussion about the application of the DSC in determining the thermal transitions of the materials and its correlation with the structure and memory effect.