Use of a CCD imager for simultaneous DSC–chemiluminescence and multiple sample polymer degradation studies

Digital electronic imaging using charge coupled devices (CCD) has become popular due to its mass adoption in the personal computer and photographic applications. The CCD sensors are moderate in resolution, extremely sensitive, offer wide dynamic range, and compared with photo-multipliers, capable of withstanding exposure to bright light without damage. These characteristics made CCD detectors ideal for chemiluminescence (CL) studies for polymer oxidative degradation. We will present the use of a CCD imager with a DSC for simultaneous oxidative induction time (OIT) and CL studies. In addition, since these CCD imagers are inherently area imagers, making them easily adapted for multiple sample studies.