Japan

The Japan Society of Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis (JSCTA) has published a Comprehensive Handbook of Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis (Michio Sorai, Editor-in-Chief). The key features and merits of this handbook are described below.

This handbook offers an invaluable source of information that describes both the basic principles and current state of the art in the fields of calorimetry and thermal analysis. The greatest merit of this handbook is that it provides abundant examples, connecting with actual applications to inorganic- and organic-based materials, biomolecules, medicines, foods and biomaterials, which provide definitive clues to interpretations in a thermodynamic sense. Current topics related to nanoscience and nanotechnology are also included.

Since many practical examples covering a wide range of research fields are featured, this unique handbook is indispensable, not only for everyone in the field of calorimetry and thermal analysis, but also for all the people who work in fields outside of thermodynamics but have an interest in thermodynamic interpretations.

For further details, please visit the following web sites:

http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047085152X.html
http://www.wileyeurope.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-047085152X.html

Short courses on Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis were held on June 15-17 in Osaka and attended by 38 participants. Basic courses covered topics ranging from fundamental thermodynamics to the application of thermal analysis (DTA & DSC, TG & TG-DTA, TMA & DMA, etc.) to material characterization (polymers, food, pharmaceuticals) and to biological problems. Advanced courses were focused on the application of thermal analysis to polymers.

JSCTA is celebrating its 40th Japanese Conference on Calorimetry and Thermal Analysis. This meeting will be held in Tokyo on October 12-14, 2004. The theme of this conference is "The contribution of thermal analysis and calorimetry on industrial developments".

Riko Ozao