Differential Scanning Calorimetry: A Brief Review on its Principle and Application in Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal analysis technique and is most
commonly used for material characterization. First discovered in 1962 by E.S. Watson and M.J.
O?Neill, this technique has been used for the measurement of heat capacity, phase transition, melting,
crystallization, glass transition, curing process and onset of oxidative degradation. These
measurements find its application inthe study of various types of industrially and pharmaceutically
important materials. The knowledge about the principles behind the operation of DSC is important to
thoroughly explore its potential and get meaningful results. The aim of this brief review is to provide
a broad introduction toDSC, its principles and scope more specifically with respect to pharmaceutical
industry.