Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a thermoanalytical technique used to analyze characteristics of polymers and other materials. DSC measures heat flow into and out of a sample as it is heated, cooled, or held isothermally. By monitoring the heat difference between a sample and an inert reference, DSC can detect physical and chemical changes associated with phase transitions, such as glass transitions, melting points, and crystallization events. The document discusses the principles, instrumentation, applications, and interpretation of DSC analysis for studying various material properties and transitions.