This module is devoted to the principles of data collection from thermo-analytical measurements, calibration procedures, and statistical evaluation of data. Basic techniques for data evaluation (interpolation, numerical integration, numerical derivatives) and baseline types are also discussed. The module finishes with a lesson on processing thermal analysis data for forensic applications.
Temperature regulation in thermo-analytical instruments; data collection; sensitivity of measurements; calibration of DSC, DTA, and TG instruments.
Statistical treatment of data, assessment of basic statistical parameters; interpolation and extrapolation, numerical integration and derivation; baseline types, Tg types, and trigger.
Chemometric treatment of data from thermo-analytical instruments; exploratory tools and prediction models; Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Square Discrimination and Regression Analysis (PLS-DA and PLSr); interpreting scores and loadings plot; compare data from multiparametric instrumental data. Focus: application to forensic issues.