Melting temperature

The melting point is the temperature at which a compound changes from a solid to a liquid state . This parameter is a key indicator of purity, thermal stability and conformity for many substances: plant extracts, waxes, fats, polymers, active ingredients or cosmetic ingredients.

Measuring the melting temperature allows a product to be characterized , its identity to be verified and any impurities or chemical modifications to be detected. Indeed, a difference between the theoretical temperature and the measured temperature can reveal an alteration in composition, incomplete crystallization or contamination.

Principle and method of analysis

Melting temperature assessment is generally performed using two approaches:

• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) : This thermal method measures the energy absorbed or released by a sample when it changes state. It offers high accuracy and a complete thermal curve , including melting temperature, crystallization and phase transitions.
• Capillary method : used for powders and pure substances, this technique consists of visually observing the point of transition to the liquid state under progressive heating.

These analyses are essential for the agri-food, cosmetic, polymer and nutraceutical sectors , where control of thermal behavior guarantees the quality and reproducibility of finished products.

For further information on thermal characterization, also see:

• differential scanning calorimetry (DSC ) ,
• thermogravimetry (TGA) ,
• or even the analysis of thermal stability .

Industrial applications

Melting temperature measurement is used in many areas of application:

• Food and nutraceuticals : quality control of fats, butters, oils or vegetable waxes, to ensure good texture and stability at the temperature of use.
• Cosmetics : optimization of solid formulations (balms, lipsticks, hair waxes) whose fusion conditions application and conservation.
• Materials and polymers : evaluation of the purity and crystallinity of polymers, control of additives and material compatibility.
• Phytotherapy and plant extracts : control of the stability of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds (polyphenols, terpenes, flavonoids).
• Chemistry and formulation : characterization of intermediate products or raw materials before integration into an industrial process.

Accurate determination of melting temperature is essential to ensure compliance with technical specifications , validate the purity of raw materials and optimize manufacturing processes .

Analytical interest and associated analyses

Melting temperature analysis is often integrated into a complete thermal balance including:

• the crystallization point to evaluate reverse transitions,
• the cloud point to study low temperature stability,
• the smoke point for edible oils and fats,
• and the melt flow index (MFI) for thermoplastic polymers.

These additional data allow us to better understand the thermal behavior, purity and transformation of the materials analyzed.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab works in collaboration with a network of ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC accredited partner laboratories , specialized in thermal, physicochemical and rheological analyses .
Our experts select the most suitable method according to the nature of the product, its composition and its field of application .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can order your analyses online, track your samples and consult your reports with complete transparency.
Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers in the cosmetics, food, chemical and materials industries in the characterization and quality control of their products.

For any specific requests or quotes, contact our scientific team today.