Which relaxation or trapped-charge processes are present?
Standard TSDC scan
Performance Testing · Electrical & Electrochemical
Thermally Stimulated Depolarisation Current (TSC)
Resolve dielectric relaxation and trapped-charge processes from depolarisation current during controlled heating.
- Price
- from£30 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 10 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Novocontrol TSDC System
- Typical outputs
- Depolarisation current versus temperaturePeak temperature and integrated chargeComparative peak parametersPolarisation, cooling and heating record
Why this service
What TSC can help you understand
Thermally stimulated depolarisation current testing polarises and cools a dielectric, removes the field, then records current during a controlled heating ramp. Peak temperature and shape can indicate…
At what temperatures do depolarisation peaks occur?
Polarisation-condition comparison
How do formulation, ageing or polarisation conditions change the…
Peak separation or ageing study
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the tool
The method, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to decide.
Standard TSDC scan
Which relaxation or trapped-charge processes are present?
- Best used when
- Which relaxation or trapped-charge processes are present?
- Typical result
- Depolarisation current versus temperature
- Preparation note
- Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements.
Polarisation-condition comparison
At what temperatures do depolarisation peaks occur?
- Best used when
- At what temperatures do depolarisation peaks occur?
- Typical result
- Peak temperature and integrated charge
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Peak separation or ageing study
How do formulation, ageing or polarisation conditions change the response?
- Best used when
- How do formulation, ageing or polarisation conditions change the response?
- Typical result
- Comparative peak parameters
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Depolarisation current versus temperature reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Peak temperature and integrated charge supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Comparative peak parameters provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Polarisation, cooling and heating record included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to provide before work begins
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the decision, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Biological / soft material | Provide fixed, preserved or otherwise stabilised material in the agreed container and medium. | Declare biological hazards and confirm fixation, dehydration, temperature and disposal requirements. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Objective: state the decision, comparison or acceptance criterion the work must support.
Handling and access: declare hazards, instability, confidentiality, file constraints or special logistics before dispatch or transfer.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope, timing or interpretation.
Is TSC the same as DSC?
No. TSC measures thermally released electrical current; DSC measures heat flow.
What is the typical turnaround?
Typical turnaround is 10 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope TSC correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Required comparison, acceptance criterion or reference
- Preferred output and reporting depth