Differential scanning calorimeter

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This application is for the acquisition of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to replace our obsolete instrument. DSC is a thermal analysis technique that is indispensable in any polymer or materials laboratory. It provides crucial information about the thermal properties of materials, such as their glass transition and melting temperatures, and allows in-depth investigation of their structure and dynamics. Until recently, our group of 5 polymer scientists shared two old DSC instruments and used them to their full capacity. One of them is now defunct so that we only have access to a single, outdated, 13 year-old instrument. In spite of numerous repairs, its performance has degraded to the point that it no longer provides the sensitivity, stability and flexibility to perform most experiments. Our need for a new DSC is thus urgent and critical to the progress of our research. In our research programs, we develop and characterize new polymeric materials with unusual properties and performance that can find applications in high-tech industries as well as in everyday life. These materials include biodegradable polymers and hydrogels, liquid crystalline polymers, polymer blends, nanofibers, conducting materials, and dental resins. These projects require the extensive use of a DSC instrument with several advanced features, such as the possibility of cryogenic cooling, modulated measurements, high sensitivity, etc. The results obtained with this new DSC will greatly improve our understanding of various aspects of polymer physics and help direct the molecular design of new materials developed through our research programs. In addition, it will contribute to the training of numerous young scientists.