Definition and Classification of Thermal Analysis

The definition given in the first report on nomenclature for thermal analysis (Part I) is as follows Thermal analysis A general term covering a group of related techniques whereby the depen- 

This definition has certain shortcomings and it is recommended that it be replaced by (see Part IV)  

Thermal analysis A group of techniques in which a physical property of a substance is measured as a function of temperature whilst the substance is subjected to a controlled temperature program. 

In addition to being more accurate, this definition has the advantage that it can be adapted to define all thermoanalytical techniques by alteration of only a few words in each instance, such as  

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