Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: The Fundamentals Series

An In-Depth Guide to Thermal Analysis Principles and Applications in Small Molecule Drugs

EPISODE #1

Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: An Overview of Differential Scanning Calorimetry

This introductory video from TA Instruments explains the core principles of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), detailing how the instrument measures heat flow to identify material phase transitions and heat capacity. It also covers sample preparation, calibration, and interpreting data to analyze material behavior.

EPISODE #2

Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: DSC Analysis of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs

This follow-up video from TA Instruments explains how Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is used to identify and study pharmaceutical polymorphs based on their unique melting points and enthalpies of fusion. It also covers complex thermodynamic behaviors, such as monotropic and enantiotropic relationships, and highlights the importance of combining DSC with complementary techniques for accurate data interpretation.

EPISODE #3

Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: DSC Analysis of Pharmaceutical Hydrates/Solvates

This third video from TA Instruments explores how Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is utilized to study the thermal behavior of hydrates and solvates. It explains how to identify endothermic solvent loss, how to confirm these processes using hermetic pans or Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and details the characteristic sequence of dehydration, recrystallization, and anhydrous melting.

EPISODE #4

Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: DSC Analysis of Pharmaceutical Glasses

This fourth video from TA Instruments explains the complexities of analyzing the glass transition in amorphous materials using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). It describes how the transition appears as a step change in the baseline due to variations in heat capacity, details the impact of kinetic aging on enthalpy recovery peaks, and offers practical solutions like sample reheating and Modulated DSC (MDSC) to ensure accurate interpretation.

EPISODE #5

Small Molecule Thermal Analysis: DSC Analysis of Pharmaceutical Amorphous Solid Dispersions

This fifth video from TA Instruments details how Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is applied to characterize Amorphous Solid Dispersions (ASDs). It explains how to differentiate between solid solutions and solid suspensions by analyzing phase numbers and glass transition temperatures, while warning against common misinterpretations caused by phase changes that occur during the heating process itself.

Other Resources

Basics of Rheology

What is Rheology? – Episode 1

In the first episode on rheology basics, the focus is on how materials deform and flow under force. The concept of viscosity is introduced, highlighting the differences between Newtonian and non-Newtonian materials, with examples like water and honey. The episode explains viscoelasticity, which combines properties of viscous and elastic materials, and discusses how most materials exhibit rate-dependent behavior. Stress and strain are defined, along with their relationship through the modulus. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment.

Basics of Rheology – Episode 2

In this episode of the basics of rheology, the focus is on measuring viscoelasticity using rheometers instead of viscometers. Rheometers apply force or motion to materials and measure their responses through raw signals like torque and angular displacement. The episode explains the importance of translating these signals using rheometry software and highlights the three types of deformation: rotational, transient, and oscillatory. It emphasizes the advantages of rheometers, such as better temperature control and the ability to detect small torques, which are crucial for studying delicate material behaviors. The episode concludes by mentioning the different types of rheometers available and their applications.

Basics of Rheology – Episode 3

In this episode of the basics of rheology, the focus is on uncovering the properties of a mysterious material, starting with viscosity. The flow sweep test is introduced to measure viscosity profiles, distinguishing between Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. The importance of defining the linear viscoelastic region (LVR) is emphasized, where the material’s response to small deformations is linear and reversible. Through oscillatory tests, the material’s behavior is analyzed using the concepts of storage and loss modulus, illustrated with examples like syrup and PDMS. The episode concludes by outlining the steps to analyze an unknown material and hints at further exploration in the next episode.

Basics of Rheology – Episode 4

In this episode, the focus is on the importance of identifying the linear viscoelastic region (LVR) for conducting rheological tests. The video explains how frequency sweep tests assess material responses to varying time scales of deformation, measuring key parameters like storage modulus and tan delta to determine material behavior. Time sweeps are introduced as a method to observe material evolution over time, particularly during curing processes, while temperature ramps help analyze thermal transitions. The episode concludes by hinting at the next topic, which will cover transient tests such as creep and stress relaxation.

Basics of Rheology – Episode 5

In the final episode of the Basics of Rheology, the focus is on transient tests that demonstrate how materials relax, recover, or deform permanently. The narrator explains the concept of elasticity and how viscoelastic materials behave between elasticity and viscosity. Through examples like orthodontic braces and asphalt under traffic, the episode illustrates how materials respond to stress over time. The series concludes by emphasizing the complexity and enjoyment of studying rheology.

Beyond the Basics

Beyond the Basics Episode 1: Yield Stress & Wall Slip

Yield stress is one of the most important—yet often misunderstood—properties in rheology, influencing everything from whether a coating sags to whether a 3D‑printed layer holds its shape. In this first episode of Beyond the Basics, we dig into what really defines yield‑stress behavior, explore the difference between dynamic and static yield stress, uncover how wall slip can distort your measurements, and share practical guidance for choosing the right testing approach. If you work with gels, pastes, coatings, or food products, this episode gives you the clarity you need to measure yield stress with confidence.

Beyond the Basics Episode 2: Thixotropy

In Episode 2, we take the next step into one of the most fascinating topics in rheology: thixotropy. This behavior appears everywhere—from coatings and food to 3D printing materials. So, what is thixotropy? Let’s go back to a simple example: paint. When you roll it onto a wall, you want it to thin just enough to spread smoothly. But if it rebuilds too quickly, you’ll see brush marks. If it rebuilds too slowly, it will sag and drip. Thixotropy closely ties together with yield stress and wall slip. These effects are deeply interconnected, and understanding how they influence each other is key to making your rheology measurements both reliable and meaningful.

Other Resources

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