Measurement and Automatic Analysis of Resin Using Autosampler and Template Function

Importance of the Topic

Thermal analysis of polymeric resins using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry provides critical insights into melting, crystallization, and stability characteristics. In industrial quality control and research environments, automating these measurements enhances reproducibility, throughput, and data consistency.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work demonstrates the integration of an autosampler with the DSC-60A Plus and DTG-60A instruments to automate sample handling, measurement, and data processing. The focus is on evaluating three polypropylene samples under a defined temperature program and implementing template-based automatic analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample preparation involved cutting polypropylene pellets into 1–2 mm squares, weighing 5 mg per aluminum crimp cell, and loading up to 24 cells in the autosampler tray. The LabSolutions TA software was configured with:

• Temperature program: room temperature to 200 °C, back to 25 °C, and reheating to 200 °C at 20 °C/min
• Atmosphere: nitrogen flow at 50 ml/min
• Insert/remove temperature control to minimize idle time
• Template settings for signal shift, axis units, and automated data processing
• Output options for direct printing and ASCII data export

Main Results and Discussion

Automated measurements of three polypropylene samples produced reproducible melting peak temperatures (~118 °C) and enthalpies (~-87 J/g). The template function divided repeated heating and cooling loops into discrete curves, aligned baselines, and applied consistent color coding and legends. This workflow reduced manual intervention and ensured uniform data presentation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Integrating an autosampler and template-driven analysis:

• Streamlines DSC and TG-DTA workflows from measurement to reporting
• Improves productivity by minimizing wait times and manual adjustments
• Ensures high reproducibility for routine quality control

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include expanded sample libraries, adaptive temperature programs based on real-time data, and enhanced software modules for comprehensive polymer characterization. Wider adoption of automation in thermal analysis will support high-throughput screening in materials development and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The combination of Shimadzu DSC-60A Plus or DTG-60A with an integrated autosampler and LabSolutions TA templates enables fully automated measurement, analysis, and reporting for polymer resins. This approach delivers consistent, efficient thermal data and is readily adaptable to various materials testing scenarios.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu DSC-60A Plus Differential Scanning Calorimeter
• Shimadzu DTG-60A Simultaneous Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermal Analyzer