What is a differential scanning calorimeter?

1 Answer
Apr 16, 2014

A differential scanning calorimeter is a special calorimeter that heats a sample and a reference at the same rate. It measures the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of sample and reference as a function of temperature.

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Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is often used to study polymers.

You heat a sample and a reference so their temperatures increase at the same rate. When the sample undergoes a phase transition, a different amount heat will flow to the sample than to the reference. You plot the difference in heat flow as a function of temperature.

MELTING:

The melting of a solid is endothermic. The extra heat flow to maintain the temperature appears as a peak on the plot.

CRYSTALLIZATION:

When the sample crystallizes, less heat flows to the sample. This appears as a dip in the plot.

GLASS TRANSITION:

After a certain temperature, a polymer may undergo a glass transition. Its heat capacity increases.

A complete plot often looks something like this:

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