The structure of a classical differ

The structure of a classical differential thermal analyser is illustrated in Figure 2.1. The sample holder
assembly is placed in the centre of the furnace. One holder is filled with the sample and the other with
an inert reference material, such as a-alumina. The term 'reference material' used in TA is frequently
confused with the term 'standard reference material' used for calibration, since in many other analytical
techniques the same material is used for both purposes. However, a reference material in TA is a
thermally inert substance which exhibits no phase change over the temperature range of the experiment.
Thermocouples inserted in each holder measure the temperature difference between the sample and the
reference as the temperature of the furnace is controlled by a temperature programmer.