16.09.2021 von Aileen Sammler, Dr. Alexander Schindler

One Click AutoEvaluation for Dilatometer Signals (dL) Improved

AutoEvaluation is an intelligent software algorithm and part of the NETZSCH Proteus® software, which automatically and autonomously evaluates thermo-analytical measurement curves. It has already been introduced and successfully applied for Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis and is also available for dL signals as generated by dilatometers (DIL) and thermomechanical analyzers (TMA). As an improvement, the mean CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) values are evaluated additionally before and after the glass transition.

AutoEvaluation is an autonomous recognition and evaluation of thermal effects. The software significantly simplifies the evaluation and interpretation of thermoanalytical measurement curves. AutoEvaluation has already been introduced and successfully applied for Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis. It is also available for length changes (dl/L0 signals) as generated by dilatometers (DIL) and thermomechanical analyzers (TMA).

The Objective Way to Determine Metal Melting, Glass Transition and Sintering Steps

The AutoEvaluation feature of the Proteus® software for DIL and TMA consists of three independent sub-functions: “Metal Melting”, “Sintering Steps” and “Glass Transition/Softening”. The “Metal Melting” function automatically evaluates the onset of the step in the dL signal occuring when a metal sample melts. The “Sintering Steps” function automatically evaluates the dL steps that occur when sintering a sample. The third function, “Glass Transition/Softening”, evaluates in a self-acting, autonomous way the onset of a glass transition and the maximum of dL due to softening of the sample. As an improvement, the mean CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) is evaluated additionally before and after the glass transition as shown in figures 1 and 2.

Fig. 1: Exemplary automatic evaluation of a TMA glass transition effect: Automatic onset and mean CTE values
Fig. 2: Exemplary self-acting evaluation of a DIL glass transition and softening effect: Onset, peak and mean CTE values

Adaptability of Proteus®AutoEvaluation

The three sub-functions of AutoEvaluation for DIL and TMA allow for adaption of the results to your individual application. This is also the case for DSC AutoEvaluation, which includes the “Polymer”, “Endo and Exo” and “Metal Melting” functions. Which evaluations done by AutoEvaluation should be displayed? And which properties of these evaluations (such as peak area, onset temperature, etc.)  should be shown? All this can be customized in the settings. Finally yet importantly, the user can also revise the results of AutoEvaluation.
To use the latest AutoEvaluation functions, update to the last version of the Proteus® basic software v8.03. This can be done online from the Help menu in your Proteus®® measurement or analysis software.