ASTM E2041-08e1

This test method is useful in research and development.

The determination of the appropriate model for a chemical reaction or transformation and the values associated with its kinetic parameters may be used in the estimation of reaction performance at temperatures or time conditions not easily tested. This use, however, is not described in this test method.

1.1 This test method describes the determination of the kinetic parameters of activation energy, Arrhenius pre-exponential factor, and reaction order using the Borchardt and Daniels treatment of data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. This test method is applicable to the temperature range from 170 to 870 K (−100 to 600 °C).

1.2 This treatment is applicable only to smooth exothermic reactions with no shoulders, discontinuous changes, or shifts in baseline. It is applicable only to reactions with reaction order
n ≤ 2. It is not applicable to autocatalyzed reactions and, therefore, is not applicable to the determination of kinetic parameters for most thermoset curing reactions or to crystallization reactions.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This test method is similar, but not equivalent to, ISO Method 11357, Part 5, that contains provisions for additional information not supplied by this test method.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.