Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC) Calibration and Measurement

Abstract

What is DSC?Differential Scanning Calorimetry is a technique to find behaviors and data on various materials such as metals, polymers, and organic material. The DSC heats up to a certain temperature at a set specific rate and then cools at a set specific rate. Throughout the heating and cooling cycle the DSC records the data and plots it onto a graph using its corresponding software. Fermilab is using the NETZSCH DSC 404 F3 Pegasus, pictured above. The information we will be looking for is mainly the heat capacity and the behavior of the material when put under heat.The first phase of this project is to calibrate the Pegasus by doing numerous tests on samples of known metals. Samples come in different forms such as powdered or compact solids, fibers, or liquids. Each of these sample types are loaded in the crucible differently. The data that these tests will produce, should match with the existing data that is provided.