Analysis of thermal capacity

Heat capacity analysis is an essential thermophysical measurement used to assess a material's ability to absorb and store heat when subjected to a temperature change. This parameter, expressed in J·g⁻¹·K⁻¹, represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of the material by one degree Celsius.
Understanding heat capacity is crucial for comprehending the energy behavior, thermal stability, and functional performance of materials used in industry. It plays a central role in the design of insulating products , the formulation of composite materials , and the optimization of thermal processes in the food, cosmetics, and polymer industries.

Analytical methods: DSC and adiabatic calorimetry

Heat capacity analysis can be performed using different calorimetry techniques, depending on the required accuracy and the nature of the material being studied:

• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) : the most widely used method for measuring thermal transitions and changes in heat capacity (Cp). It is based on comparing the heat fluxes between a sample and a reference when they are subjected to the same temperature program.
• Adiabatic calorimetry : used for materials with high thermal inertia or for high-precision measurements, particularly in the fields of energy and building materials.

These analyses allow us to determine:

• capacity (Cp) .
• Phase transitions ( melting, vitrification, crystallization).
• The enthalpy of endothermic or exothermic reactions .
• stability material purity

To learn more about DSC, consult the DSC analysis sheet (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) , the reference method used in the majority of industrial thermal analyses.

Relevant matrices and areas of application

Heat capacity analysis applies to a wide variety of solid, liquid, or powder matrices :

• Materials and polymers : study of the thermal properties of plastics, resins, composites and elastomers.
• Food and nutraceutical products : evaluation of thermal stability, physical transitions and texture of formulations (fats, starches, proteins, powders).
• Cosmetics : characterization of the thermal behavior of creams, gels or waxes to guarantee stability under storage conditions.
• Packaging and biomaterials : validation of the thermal resistance of materials used in contact with food or sensitive products.
• Natural plants and powders : determination of the thermal properties of plant extracts and functional ingredients.

These measurements allow for the comparison of different production batches , the evaluation of the quality of formulations , and the prediction of the thermal behavior of finished products .

Industrial and scientific applications

Heat capacity analysis is used in many industrial sectors:

• R&D and materials engineering : study of thermal behavior for the development of insulating or conductive composites.
• Quality control : verification of the consistency of a product's thermal properties over time.
• Agri-food and nutrition : optimization of cooking, drying or preservation processes.
• Cosmetics : evaluation of the thermal resistance and stability of lipid-based or emulsion-based formulations.
• Energy and environment : characterization of thermal storage materials or ecological insulation.

In the materials and polymers sector, this analysis can be combined with thermogravimetry (TGA) to simultaneously study mass losses and thermal transitions, or with DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) to evaluate the viscoelastic response of polymers as a function of temperature.

Challenges for quality and industrial performance

Measuring heat capacity provides a deep understanding of the thermal behavior of materials and allows us to anticipate their response to temperature changes.
It is particularly useful for:

• Ensuring the safety and durability of products exposed to extreme thermal conditions.
• Optimize the thermal design of packaging, insulation and medical devices.
• Improving the formulation of food and cosmetic products for optimal stability.
• Contributing to the energy reduction of industrial processes through better control of heat exchange.

YesWeLab's expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards , specializing in thermal and physicochemical analyses.
Our experts support manufacturers, engineering firms, and formulators in:

• The choice of calorimetric techniques adapted to the matrix and the conditions of analysis.
• The interpretation of thermal data and its correlation with mechanical or structural properties .
• Validation of regulatory compliance and product performance.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , the management of analyses is simplified: quote requests, sample tracking and secure access to test reports.

To complete your thermal characterization, also discover:

• The flammability test to assess resistance to combustion.
• Thermal conductivity analysis to measure the energy performance of materials.

For any specific request, contact our scientific team now to benefit from comprehensive support for your thermal analyses and energy performance studies.