6.1 This test method is useful in research and development.

6.2 The determination of the appropriate model for a chemical reaction or transformation and the values associated with its kinetic parameters may be used in the estimation of reaction performance at temperatures or time conditions not easily tested. This use, however, is not described in this test method.

1.1 This test method describes the determination of the kinetic parameters of activation energy, Arrhenius pre-exponential factor, and reaction order using the Borchardt and Daniels2 treatment of data obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. This test method is applicable to the temperature range from 170 K to 870 K (−100 °C to 600°C).

1.2 This treatment is applicable only to smooth exothermic reactions with no shoulders, discontinuous changes, or shifts in baseline. It is applicable only to reactions with reaction order n ≤ 2. It is not applicable to acceleratory reactions and, therefore, is not applicable to the determination of kinetic parameters for most thermoset curing reactions or to crystallization reactions.

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.