Application of a novel type of adiabatic scanning calorimeter for high-resolution thermal data near the melting point of gallium

A novel type of adiabatic scanning calorimeter (ASC) based on Peltier elements (PEs) is used to obtain high-resolution enthalpy and heat capacity data on the melting transition of gallium. The accuracy of the specific heat capacity and specific enthalpy is about 2 %, for a sub-mK temperature resolution. The simultaneously determined equilibrium specific heat capacity and specific enthalpy are used to determine the heat of fusion and the purity. In addition, the use of the PE-based ASC as a classical heat step calorimeter and as a constant rate (DSC-type) calorimeter is discussed. A comparison of the ASC results with literature data and DSC data shows the advantages of ASC for the study of phase transitions.