An analysis of the factors affecting the peak shape and the quantitative reliability of a heat flux DSC cell

In a previous work it was shown that unexpected problems may arise in the calibration of a heat flux DSC cell. To understand the origin of these problems an analysis has been undertaken of what happens in the cell before, during and after the peak. Here the first part of this analysis is reported dealing with the baseline and with the dependence of the recorded signal on time. Analytical expressions are obtained connecting the measured signal with experimental variables and instrument constants. Completely independent on sample related properties, a maximum measurable ΔT is introduced as limiting factor for quantitative reliability.