4.1 Section 5 identifies essential instrumentation and accessories required to perform thermal analysis, rheometry, or viscometry for a variety of different instruments. The appropriate generic instrument description should be included in any test method describing use or application of the thermal analysis, rheometry, or viscometry instrumentation described herein.

4.2 Units included in these descriptions are used to identify needed performance criteria and are considered typical. Other units may be used when including these descriptions in a specific test method. Items underlined constitute required inputs specifically established for each test method (for example, sensitivity of temperature sensor).

4.3 Additional components and accessories may be added as needed, with the appropriate performance requirements specified. Items listed in these descriptions but not used in a test method (for example, vacuum system) may be deleted.

1.1 This practice describes generic descriptions of apparatus used for thermal analysis or rheometry measurements and its purpose is to achieve uniformity in description of thermal analysis, rheometry, and viscometer instrumentation throughout standard test methods. These descriptions are intended to be used as templates for inclusion in any test method where the thermal analysis instrumentation described herein is cited.

1.2 Each description contains quantifiable instrument performance requirements to be specified for each test method.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.