Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) in Solid-State Characterization of Solid Dispersions: A Practical Guide.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a key thermal analysis technique for solid-state characterization.
• It provides insights into crystallinity, polymorphism, and miscibility in materials, especially solid dispersions.
• Accurate interpretation of DSC data is vital for formulation development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review thermodynamic and kinetic factors influencing DSC measurements in solid dispersions.
• To emphasize mechanisms by which experimental variables affect thermal transitions.
• To provide practical recommendations for improving DSC method reliability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of thermodynamic and kinetic factors affecting DSC.
• Analysis of mechanisms influencing endothermic and exothermic transitions.
• Examination of experimental design and complementary analytical techniques.

Main Results:

• DSC thermogram accuracy is sensitive to heating/cooling rates, sample preparation, moisture, and thermal history.
• These variables can cause artifacts or mask crucial thermal events.
• Understanding these influences is key to mitigating misinterpretations.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing experimental parameters is essential for reproducible and interpretable DSC data.
• Complementary techniques like XRPD and FTIR can support DSC findings.
• This review serves as a guide for reliable solid-state characterization in solid dispersion development.