11: Sample Controlled Thermal Analysis

Sample controlled thermal analysis (SCTA) methods, where the heating rate is governed by the sample itself, offer a significant number of benefits over conventional thermal analysis methods. The addition of SCTA software to many modern thermal analysis instruments means that it is now readily available. This chapter gives a broad overview of the different approaches to SCTA and their application to a wide range of thermal methods. The benefits of SCTA, which include enhanced resolution and improved kinetic data, are illustrated by applications to a range of materials.