SHOPPING CART
Your cart is empty.
shop now
Picking the wrong DSC pan can disrupt lab results or cause complete test failures. Each scenario needs a pan that matches exact scientific, chemical, and temperature needs.
I select my DSC pans by matching the pan material and design to the unique thermal and environmental demands of each test. This helps make sure the results are consistent and reliable, no matter the sample.
Each laboratory test brings different sample types, testing temperatures, and sensitivity requirements. I have found that one pan type almost never fits every job. Below, I share how I assess every testing scenario and choose the right DSC pan for each, so that every run gives back good data and keeps my lab workflow smooth.
What DSC Pan Should You Use for High-Temperature Thermal Analysis?
High temperatures can destroy ordinary pans and damage your test sample. I have seen more tests ruined by the wrong pan choice at high temperatures than for any other reason.
For high-temperature tests, select DSC pans made from platinum or high-melting-point aluminum. These withstand severe conditions, prevent sample loss, and avoid instrument contamination when testing metals, ceramics, or minerals.
| Pan Material | Typical Temp Range (°C) | Best For | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | up to 1600 | Metal, ceramic, mineral samples | Inert, very stable, costly. See Platinum |
| Pure Aluminum (high purity) | 600–800 | Polymers, organic compounds with moderate-high temp | Melts at 660°C, use only for tests below this temperature |
| Ceramic pans | up to 1000+ | Non-organic oxidizing samples | Less reactive than metals, often used in thermogravimetric analysis |
| Gold-coated pans | up to 1100 | Samples sensitive to metal interaction | Corrosion-resistant, avoid contamination |
When I first tested high-melting metals, a regular aluminum pan softened and ruined my data. Now, I always check melting point and chemical stability before picking any high-temperature pan. These choices can protect both the instrument and results for sensitive materials and are backed by recommendations in leading thermal analysis literature.
How to Choose the Best DSC Pan for Testing Volatile Materials?
Volatile materials can escape from open pans during heating, leading to sample loss or data errors. These problems can happen fast and ruin the experiment.
For volatile materials, use sealed or high-pressure DSC pans. A pan that seals tightly protects against evaporation and leakage, which helps keep the test fair for samples like oils or solvents.
| Pan Type | Mechanism | Appropriate Samples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed Pan | Crimped or clamped with O-ring | Solvents, low-melting organics | Prevents evaporation, protects sample integrity |
| High-Pressure Pan | Tight fit, high-strength metals | Highly volatile or reactive chemicals | Withstands pressure from released gases Vapor Pressure |
| Pans with Vent Hole | Small, pressure-release opening | Reactions producing minor gas | Avoids instrument overpressure, keeps test controlled |
| PTFE-coated pan | Non-stick, prevents adhesion | Sticky or reactive volatile samples | Eases cleaning, preserves sample recovery PTFE |
I once tested a volatile pharmaceutical in an unsealed pan. The result was lost material and random peaks across the thermal curve. Since then, I never run a volatile or sensitive sample in anything less than a properly sealed or pressure-resistant pan, and I always consider the vapor pressure data for accurate selection.
Which DSC Pan Is Best for Researching Polymers and Pharmaceuticals?
Polymers and drugs can be very sensitive to air, contamination, or small temperature differences. Picking the wrong pan can hide or erase their weak thermal signals.
For polymer and pharmaceutical testing, use sealed aluminum or gold-coated DSC pans to prevent contamination and oxidation. These choices are best for low-mass, purity-critical, or reactive samples.
| Pan Option | Why Use? | Key Scenarios | Extra Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed Aluminum Pan | Reduces baseline drift, minimizes air contact | Polymer transitions, glass transition (Glass Transition) | Most budget-friendly, widely used in routine polymer DSC |
| Gold-Coated Pan | Avoids reaction with components | API, small molecule drugs | Better chemical inertness, less sample sticking |
| Inert Gas Flow Pans | Allows purging with nitrogen or argon | Oxidation-sensitive pharma samples | Reduces oxidation, more accurate heat flow |
When I run DSC on polymer blends, I always use sealed pans to stop any baseline drift or oxygen effects. For APIs that might react, gold-coated pans guarantee purity. My pharmaceutical partners confirm that inert atmospheres cut down on unwanted signals and unpredictable results.
How to Select the Right DSC Pan for Environmental Testing?
Soil, waste, and environmental samples present mixed organic and inorganic components, sometimes with water or combustibles. Picking a versatile, robust pan is essential for accuracy.
Select DSC pans made from ceramic or high-purity aluminum for environmental samples. Choose a design that avoids contamination, supports residue analysis, and works in wide temperature ranges for complex sample types.
| Pan Type | Sample Kind | Strength in Environmental Testing | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Pan | Soil, residue, mixed ash | No reaction with minerals, handles wide temp | Can be brittle, needs cautious handling |
| High-Purity Aluminum | Organic-rich soils, plastics in waste | Good repeatability, low contamination risk | Not for temperatures above 600°C. See Aluminium |
| Platinum Pan | Combustion analysis, metals | Unmatched resistance, long life | High initial cost |
| TGA-Compatible Pan | Mixtures for TGA | Allows crossover with mass loss determining, trace residues | Not always suitable for all DSC measurements |
I worked on several environmental monitoring projects where I learned that ceramic and platinum pans handled most soil and waste without changing sample composition. For organic contamination studies, high-purity aluminum pans proved reliable for controlled heating and low-ash results.
Accurate DSC results start by matching every pan to your specific scenario. The best pan for any test is the one built for its unique temperature, chemical, and environmental demands.
