Homer Kissinger and the Kissinger equation

Homer Kissinger invented the peak displacement kinetic method that bears his name in the mid-1950s when he was an intern at the National Bureau of Standards. Because the method is rapid, easy-to-use, reliable, and uses readily available differential scanning calorimetry instrumentation, it is one of the most commonly used kinetic tools, having more than 2000 literature citations. The development of the method, Kissinger's scientific biography, advances to the approach, and practical experimental applications are reviewed.

► We present a personal history of Homer Kissinger.
► We present an overview of the development of the Kissinger kinetic equation and subsequent extensions.
► We provide a summary of practical considerations for gathering kinetic information.