The proposed standard thermal analysis test, “Heat of Reaction and Degree of Cure by Differential Scanning Calorimetry,” is being developed by ASTM Subcommittee E37.01 on Test Methods and Recommended Practices, part of Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements.

“The method will be of interest to those involved with thermal hazard evaluation, rubber and thermoset cure,” says subcommittee chairman Roger Blaine, applications manager, T.A. Instruments, New Castle, Del.

“In thermal stability measurements, knowledge of the heat of reaction is required for safety reasons. Heat of reaction is being considered by OSHA as one tool for characterization of orphan waste drums. In the case of rubber, the heat of reaction tells whether the test sample is sufficiently cured. Thus, it is a quality assessment tool. In the case of thermosets, the heat of reaction is used to determine appropriate processing conditions and shelf life of products.”

For additional technical information, contact Roger Blaine, Ph.D., TA Instruments, 109 Lukens Dr., New Castle, DE 19720 (302/427-4017). Committee E37 meets May 23-24 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. For meeting or membership details, contact Tom O’Toole, ASTM (610/832-9739). //

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