Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is one tool for the characterization of materials especially organic ones. In DSC the amount of heat necessary to increase the temperature of a known amount of the sample is monitored as a function of the temperature of the solid. As long as the sample stays in one phase and there are no reactions taking place in it, the amount of heat per degree will be a constant amount that is equal to the weight of the sample times its specific heat. Whenever a phase change or reaction occurs, the amount of heat will either increase or decrease depending on whether the change is endothermic or exothermic. Almost all phase changes that occur during heating are endothermic but reactions may be either. Whenever there is a change, it shows up on a graph plotting amount of heat vs. temperature as a change in slope. The temperature at which this happens and the size of the change in slope can be used to characterize the condition of the sampled material.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) is another tool for the characterization of materials. In TGA, the wieght of the sample is monitored continuously during heating. As long there are no reactions taking place in the sample, the weight of the sample will remain constant. Whenever a reaction occurs, the weight will either increase or decrease; this will show up on a graph plotting the weight vs. temperature. The temperature at which any change happens and the size of the change can be used to characterize the nature of the transformation.

Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) is another tool for the characterization of materials. In TMA, the amount of expansion resulting from an increase in temperature of the sample is monitored in one axis at a time. As long as the sample stays in one phase and there are no reactions taking place in it, the amount of expansion per degree will be a constant amount. Whenever a phase change or reaction occurs, the amount of expansion will either increase or decrease. Whenever there is a change, it shows up on a graph plotting the increase in length vs. temperature as a change in slope. The temperature at which this happens and the size of the change in slope can be used to characterize the condition of the sampled material.