Differential scanning calorimetry operational temperature ranges

The techniques referred to above (Sects. 1—3) may be operated for a sample heated in a constant temperature environment or under conditions of programmed temperature change. Very similar equipment can often be used differences normally reside in the temperature control of the reactant cell. Non-isothermal measurements of mass loss are termed thermogravimetry (TG), absorption or evolution of heat is differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and measurement of the temperature difference between the sample and an inert reference substance is termed differential thermal analysis (DTA). These techniques can be used singly [33,76,174] or in combination and may include provision for EGA. Applications of non-isothermal measurements have ranged from the rapid qualitative estimation of reaction temperature to the quantitative determination of kinetic parameters [175—177]. The evaluation of kinetic parameters from non-isothermal data is dealt with in detail in Chap. 3.6. 

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a technique which aims to study the same thermal phenomena as DTA, but does so on a rather different principle. Hence, although the data obtained are very similar, they may differ in detail. Typical DSC equipment will operate over the temperature range from ambient to ca. 700°C. However, as with DTA, specially modified equipment can extend this substantially in both directions. 

---