Optimization of the measuring conditions for thermal analysis of casting powders and evaluation of the results by means of factor analysis

Thermal analysis is a very powerful method for investigation and characterization of casting powders. The results depend on the measuring conditions to a high degree. That was the reason for the systematic optimization of the measuring conditions of differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (DTA/TG) which were used for this study. Especially the temperature program was developed carefully. The factor analysis of the results gives information about the variables which influence the thermal properties of the powders. Factor analysis was also used for cluster formation and identification of casting powders.