Micro-DSC

Differential Scanning Calorimetry is a versatile technique used to measure a number of thermo-physical properties, derived from the direct measurement of heat flow between a sample cell and reference cell inside a calorimetry block. The reference cell contains a material of well known heat capacity over the experimental temperature range. The DSC is designed such that the temperature of the calorimetry block increases linearly with time over a specified range. During this temperature ramp, the DSC will directly measure the difference in heat flow between the sample and reference cells. If no phase transitions or reactions occur during this temperature increase, the difference in heat flow is due to the difference in heat capacities of the two materials. However, if the heat capacity of the sample is known, then phase transitions and reactions can be recorded. The Fluid Sciences group at UWA has been using the DSC to investigate solid-liquid phase transitions, gas hydrate growth and high-pressure fluid heat capacities.