Baseline Curvature and Noise

It is recommended to scan the DSC under the proposed experimental conditions to check the curvature and noise level of the instrument baseline before analysing samples. There are several reasons why the instrument baseline may be curved and/or display a high noise level. Trace amounts of residue from a previous experiment may be attached to the sample holder. Decomposed or sublimated compounds frequently condense on the sample holder, distorting the shape and quality of the instrument baseline. If the instrument baseline is still not satisfactory, following cleaning with ethanol or acetone, there may be a problem with the purge gas flow. The linearity of the instrument baseline will be 

The instrument baseline recorded for successive scans, under the same conditions, should be identical. 

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