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Development of a Miniaturized Ceramic Differential Calorimeter Device in LTCC Technology

J. Kita, W. Missal, E. Wappler, F. Bechtold, R. Moos

Journal of Ceramic Science and Technology, Vol. 4, No. 3 (2013), pp. 137-144

DOI: 10.4416/JCST2013-00008

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Abstract

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to identify phase transition temperatures of different materials. Classical DSC devices are designed as stationary equipment and, owing to their weight and construction, mobile use is impossible. Relatively high costs may limit the span of application. To reduce costs and enable mobile applications, our idea was to construct a miniaturized ceramic differential scanning calorimeter in which furnace, temperature sensors, crucible, and reference are fully integrated into one single ceramic device measuring only a few centimetres in size.In this article, two types of miniaturized ceramic calorimeters are presented. Whereas the first one is based on the power compensation method, the second utilizes the dynamic heat flux method. Both structures were made in Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramics (LTCC) Technology. Application of ceramics as body material ensures sufficient stability and a wide working temperature range. First tests proved that melting processes with promising dynamic performance can be detected. This article focuses on the development steps that lead to novel well-functioning LTCC-based DSC devices and demonstrate their functionality. It is also intended to show some deadlocks during the development and demonstrate how important FEM modeling is for obtaining well-functioning devices.

Keywords

DSC, LTCC, differential scanning calorimetry

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