Factors Affecting DTA and DSC Measurements

To obtain accurate data from DTA and DSC measurements, attention should be paid to the following parameters  

Different sample pans are used in DTA and DSC measurements for samples of various shapes and physical states. The sample pans are of two types open pans for solid samples and sealed pans for liquids or volatile samples. The materials used for making sample pans are mostly aluminum, silver, gold, stainless steel, and carbon. When aluminum and silver sample pans are used for samples containing water, the sample pans should be pretreated with water in a small pressure vessel to avoid reactions between the pans and water during subsequent heating. 

Sample size and weight, packing density, heat capacity, and heat conductivity are among the sample parameters that may impact the outcome of a thermal analysis. It is important that a small sample be used and that the sample pan fits the sample shape. 

---