2.4. Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) determines physical or chemical changes of materials by a function between temperature and time [77,78]. This method requires small amounts of sample, and it can be used for both solid and liquid samples. However, it is a destructive method for materials due to heat [79]. DSC has two main parts: the thermal computer and a scanning chamber. Two pans are located in the scanning chamber for heating and cooling processes. The sample is settled within the first pan, and the other pan is left empty to use as a reference [75,80]. Temperature is changed gradually to produce a change in the material with the effect of heat quantity. Glass transition temperature (T_g), crystallization heat (H_c), melting point (T_m), crystallization temperature (T_c), and melting heat (H_f) values are determined with DSC [81]. Water loss and thermal degradation studies can be performed for biopolymers. Also, according to Lu and Weiss (1992), T_g value is used to understand biopolymer blends’ miscibility [82,83]. Therefore, DSC can be used to analyze IPN structure in a hydrogel [84].