Highly precise determination of the heat capacity of liquids by DSC: calibration and measurement

The heat capacities of various liquids were determined with a high precision using differential scanning calorimetry. The calibration and measurement procedures, as implemented on a Setaram Micro DSC II calorimeter based on Calvet’s differential detection of the heat flow rate in the measuring and reference vessels are analysed and discussed. An experimental procedure for determining heat capacities based on the scanning method is proposed. Calibration is done with liquids of known heat capacity. The proposed method was checked against various standard liquids. The results of ensuing scanning method are compared with those obtained by using the isothermal step method.