The HLM method: a simple way to get the solid–liquid phase diagrams and enthalpies of transition of pure components and mixtures

A simple method of thermal analysis is described which gives the same information as differential scanning calorimetry. The method is based on the Heat-Leak-Modulus, HLM, of a sample cell placed in a constant temperature reservoir. In the present study, the HLM method is used for the investigation of pure components and mixtures from −190 to 50 °C. The method allows the determination of glass-transition, crystallizations, solid–solid transition, eutectic, and melting temperatures with a reproducibility better than ±0.1 °C. The enthalpy of a transition can be determined with a reproducibility of ±5%. The simplicity, the low cost, and the precision of the HLM method fills the gap between standard cooling curves and sophisticated differential scanning calorimetry experiments. The HLM method has numerous applications in physical chemistry, polymer science, metallurgy, and chemical engineering.