The generally accepted definition for thermal analysis is that it covers “a group of techniques in which a physical property for a substance and/or its reaction product(s) is measured as a function of temperature while the substance is subjected to a controlled temperature program.” From this broad scope, it is evident that at some point in their careers nearly all experimental materials scientists have been practicing thermal analysts. It is also obvious that the techniques of thermal analysis are applicable to the entire range of materials. Consequently, it is difficult, it not impossible, to properly review such a topic in several pages, but I hope that a carefully selected handful of examples will acquaint the readers with the standard techniques and the enormous versatility inherent in thermal methods. One aspect which simplifies the review is that the methods are conceptionally very simple and do not require extensive descriptions.

Table I describes some of the more common techniques for which examples will be presented. Obviously, many more properties have been studied; however, those listed will suffice as an introduction to the subject.

Because all information derived from thermal methods frequently has only an indirect correlation with the chemical concentration or process of interest, it is important to use more than one technique where possible.