Theoretical Fundamentals of Differential Scanning Calorimeters

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.