SIST EN ISO 11357-7:2022 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 11357-7:2022 - Plastics - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) - Part 7: Determination of crystallization kinetics - specifies laboratory methods for studying the crystallization behaviour of partially crystalline plastics using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The standard covers two complementary approaches: isothermal and non‑isothermal crystallization measurements. It applies only to molten polymers and is not suitable where the polymer’s molecular structure changes during the test.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Two measurement modes:
  • Isothermal crystallization procedures for kinetics at fixed temperature.
  • Non‑isothermal crystallization procedures for cooling/rate‑dependent kinetics.
• Apparatus and materials: DSC instrument, crucibles and balance specified as per ISO 11357‑1; verify crucible material does not alter crystallization kinetics.
• Specimen preparation and mass control: Test specimens and conditioning follow ISO 11357‑1; for comparative work maintain specimen mass within ±0.5 mg to avoid self‑heating artifacts.
• Calibration and temperature control: Calibration in heating mode (per ISO 11357‑1) and checks for symmetry of the temperature scale between heating and cooling using suitable low‑undercooling substances.
• Data treatment and results: Relative crystallinity is determined from partial enthalpy vs total enthalpy (ΔH) measured by DSC; the document defines methods for deriving crystallization rate parameters and includes formulae (Annex A) for kinetic analysis.
• Procedure and reporting: Detailed steps for loading crucibles, melting protocol, measurement sequences, precision statements and required test report elements are provided.

Applications and who should use it

• Polymer R&D and material characterization: Determine crystallization rates, nucleation and growth behaviour during formulation and processing development.
• Process optimization and scale‑up: Inform cooling profiles and cycle times in extrusion, injection molding and film casting.
• Quality control and comparative testing: Batch-to-batch monitoring of crystallization behaviour for semi‑crystalline polymers.
• Thermal analysis laboratories and instrument manufacturers: Standardized test methods for DSC method validation, calibration and software algorithm development.
• Regulatory and standards bodies: Reference method within the ISO/CEN framework for thermal property characterization.

Related standards

• ISO 11357‑1 - DSC general principles (calibration, apparatus, specimen handling)
• ISO 11357‑3 - Determination of melting/crystallization temperatures and enthalpies
• ISO 472 - Plastics vocabulary

Keywords: EN ISO 11357‑7:2022, DSC, differential scanning calorimetry, crystallization kinetics, isothermal crystallization, non‑isothermal crystallization, plastics testing, polymer thermal analysis.