Theoretical Fundamentals of Differential Scanning Calorimeters

Abstract

In all DSCs, a temperature difference ...T — given as a voltage — is the original measurement signal. In almost all instruments a heat flow rate Φ _m (differential heat flow rate) is internally assigned to ...T (cf. Chapt. 2). Independent of whether the user obtains ...T or Φ _m from the respective DSC, knowledge of the functional relation between the measured signal (...T, Φ _m) and the quantity searched for (the real heat flow rate Φ _r consumed/produced by the sample) is important for

• the time-related assignment of Φ _r to ...T or Φ _m (investigation into the kinetics of a reaction),

• the determination of partial heats of reaction,

• the evaluation and assessment of the influences of operating parameters and properties of the measuring system with regard to this relation,

• the estimate of the overall uncertainty of measurement.