Differential thermal analysis (DTA) experiments described herein apply two methodologies by which to estimate absolute nucleation rates and/or temperature dependencies using a low-expansion, commercially relevant, multi component glass-ceramic as a test material. In particular, the Marott and the Ray et al methods were applied to Zerodur and both proved valuable insights into a relatively complicated crystallisation process. Previous nucleation and crystal growth rate data were used on a comparative manner. Although the Marotta method accurately predicted the maximum nucleation temperature, the nature of the technique precluded an estimation of absolute nucleation rates. The Ray et al technique provided useful estimates of the number of quenched-in nuclei.
