Preface

The Thermal Methods Group (TMG), part of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), exists to promote the education, awareness and application of thermal and calorimetric methods in the UK. Over the years, many illustrious names in the thermal analysis field have served on the TMG committee and 2015 is a special year as it marks the 50th anniversary of its founding. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the current TMG Committee decided to produce a revised and updated version of its textbook, Principles of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry. The first version, published in 2001, provided an excellent introduction to thermal analysis and calorimetric techniques, but the past decade has seen the development of better technology and new techniques. This revised text therefore seeks to address these new developments, in addition to providing the background to the core techniques as in the first edition.

The focus of this text is on the underlying theory and operating principles of each technique. Each chapter has been written by an expert in the field and has been reviewed by the Committee. A review of thermal analysis nomenclature, as approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, is provided before discussion of the individual techniques. In addition to the well-established techniques of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), isothermal calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical analysis, this text discusses a wider range of techniques such as dynamic vapour sorption, dielectric thermal analysis, modulated-temperature DSC, sample-controlled thermal analysis and hazard calorimetry. Some recent, and very exciting, new approaches are also introduced, such as modifications to localised thermal analysis and hyphenated techniques.

We hope, therefore, that you find the book interesting, informative and stimulating, and it helps you in starting to use thermal methods or in improving your current analyses. We also hope that you will join us in promoting thermal methods, through word-of-mouth or by contributing to the work of the TMG, either by attending our annual meetings and training courses, becoming a member or joining the Committee. Further details can be found at our web-site.

Simon, Vicky and Peter

www.thermalmethodsgroup.org.uk