Application of differential thermal analysis to the study of ferroelectric transitions

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Abstract
The use of differential thermal analysis (DTA) is applied to the identification and study of ferroelectric phase transitions. The technique offers many advantages over classical methods, especially in the area of sample preparation.Representative crystals of all known ferroelectric classes were investigated. Only the ferroelectric transitions in Rochelle Salt were undetectable because of the very low heat transitions in this substance (∼1 cal/mole). A comparison of Curie temperature (Tc) measured by the DTA method and those cited in the literature demonstrate applicability of the technique. A discussion of the variations in Tc measured for deuterated compounds is also presented.It is apparent that the DTA method is a useful tool for the study of ferroelectric phenomena, capable of yielding kinetic and thermodynamic information associated with the ferroelectric transition.