Thermal Analysis Option

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1 Thermal Analysis Option Multiple Reference Libraries Simplify Result Interpretation Finding the relevant information for comparing daily measurement results to well-known references is an important yet time-consuming task for many analytical service and R&D laboratories. The reference library option allows you to organize and store any type of sample information be it your own past measurements or information acquired from the literature in a centralized location that can be shared with multiple users. Quickly retrieve data and start an automatic evaluation all using the same software. Features and benefits Many reference libraries allow fast and easy access to material properties Flexible search quickly retrieve similar or identical known references Unlimited content store any number of STAR e results, literature or values obtained from material data sheets Similar to an archive, you can incorporate as many reference libraries as you wish using the new software option preferably one library for each material class. Continuously build on an existing library by including new reference materials and/or data fields (i.e. recent measurements and/or data entries from the literature or material supplier data sheets etc.). The flexible software permits any type of information (in any file format) to be uploaded to the database. This allows you to instantly access knowledge on a specific material, be it the melting peak (numerical), color (text), picture or a related article, as long as the data/information has been previously added to the database. Once set up, finding relevant information or reference measurements in your library is only a matter of a few seconds. Reference libraries simplify curve interpretation for failure analysis and material research.

2 Easy Result Comparisons A Powerful Database for Quick and Easy Comparisons Analytical laboratories are under increasing pressure to deliver high quality results within shorter time frames. Measurement curves and results of unknown materials are usually compared to the literature or supplier data. Prior to the internet, analysts relied on reference books as their primary source of information. Using the reference library, it is now possible to store, retrieve and compare results in just a few seconds. Several libraries METTLER TOLEDO polymer library 2 For easy comparisons, we recommend users to create separate libraries for each material class. This specific library is free of charge and consists of more than 60 different polymers, totaling over 600 data entries. All polymers were measured by DSC and TGA/DSC, and in some cases also by MS, FTIR and GC/MS. The library includes literature values for density and sample color, as well as supporting application notes from thermal analysis application magazines (UserCom) and TA handbooks. For meaningful comparisons, it is important that samples and references are measured in the same way and under identical conditions. The purpose of the first heating run is to remove the thermal history of a sample. DSC results are then recorded for the second heating run.

3 Auto evaluations Straightforward comparisons The existing auto evaluation and validation functionality, in combination with the reference library, is a powerful tool supporting the rapid evaluation and interpretation of results. Simply measure the unknown sample in a temperature program identical to the reference material. The EvalMacro functionality evaluates your curve automatically, and the results can then easily be compared with existing reference materials. Properties and thermal effects vary between different materials. If your library contains an identical or similar reference substance to the unknown sample, the comparison of one or several material properties can aid in interpreting or even identifying the unknown material. The reference library may include curves and results from the four most established TA techniques: DSC, TGA, TMA or DMA. If the values obtained using these methods are not specific enough, it is also possible to include data from alternative measurement techniques such as MS, FTIR or GC/MS. 3

4 Flexible Search Flexible Search Options Saves Valuable Time The Reference Library option offers 3 different search functions: 1. Quick search (one single STAR e result) 2. Best and close match (combination of different numerical results) 3. Boolean search (combination of numerical results with text entries) Quick search Results For quick comparisons, simply select the result line of interest in a STAR e evaluation, right click and then opt for Quick Search in Reference Library from the dropdown menu. A dialog box will appear, prompting the user to select their preferred reference library finished. The library entries lying within the specified range are shown. The closest match to the search value is displayed in magenta font. 4

5 Best and close match Boolean search Searches library entries that best fit with predefined numerical values. The reference library entries are sorted according to increasing deviation from the search value. The purpose of this function is to refine the list of entries in the reference library according to specific search criteria, which can be a combination of both numerical values and textual information (e.g. supplier, sample name or color). 5

6 Unlimited Content Unlimited Library Entries for Reliable Result Interpretation Each reference library accommodates an unlimited number of diverse material properties. Both textual and numerical aspects are organized in separate columns, which can be searched and compared with other materials of unknown identity. Users can either add to existing reference libraries or create new libraries from scratch. Additionally, it is possible to store any file of your choice such as reports, SOPs, scientific papers, standards, material data sheets, EGA data (measured by MS, FTIR or GC/MS) or picture files. Simple comparisons The unknown sample curve is easily overlaid on the reference curve. In this example, the unknown sample behaves similarly to the known PMMA reference. The slight difference may be explained by a modification to PMMA. An extensive reference library increases your chances of finding a reference material. 6

7 Reference evaluations Background information Complementary information The METTLER TOLEDO polymer reference library contains DSC and TGA/DSC measurements. Results from both techniques can be combined in the same search. Publications or any other useful documents can be stored in the library. Related application notes from TA UserComs are available in the polymer library. Thermal Analysis is not always specific enough. In some cases, TA curves for different materials are very similar. In such instances, other techniques provide additional information for better result interpretation. 7

8 Personalized Settings Speed up Your Daily Work Libraries are frequently shared between users who require access for different purposes. METTLER TOLEDO introduced personalized settings that allow: columns to be hidden or re-ordered These preferences are then stored in the personal settings for each STAR e software user. By applying specific user rights, inadvertent mistakes can be prevented such as the unintentional editing of values. View of user A View of user B For more information Quality certificate. Development, production and testing according to ISO METTLER TOLEDO Group MatChar Environmental management system according to ISO Subject to technical changes. 07/2017 METTLER TOLEDO. All rights reserved Marketing MatChar / MarCom Analytical "European conformity". The CE conformity mark provides you with the assurance that our products comply with the EU directives.