Factors Affecting DSC Curve:

In the beginning of this block we talked about the lowest temperature, T_i   at which the onset can be detected by the instrument operating under particular conditions. We may like to call this as transition temperature that is not correct. In fact in a DSC experiment, T_i, T_f and T_c (the final temperature at which the decomposition is completed) do not have fundamental significance, but they can still be a useful characteristic of a DSC curve. The word procedural thermogram, frequently used for the temperature at which temperature change appears to commence. This denotes in which begin of thermal reaction and temperature does not have a fixed value, but depends on the experimental process employed to get it. Same to this there are several factors that influence a DSC curve. These factors might be because of instrumentation or nature of sample.  We have planned the major factors that affect the shape, precision and accuracy of the experimental results:

1.         Instrumental factors:

a)         Furnace heating rate.

b)         Recording or chart speed

c)         Furnace atmosphere

d)        Geometry of sample holder and location of sensors

e)         Sensitivity of recording mechanism.

f)          Composition of sample container.

2.         Sample Characteristics:

a)         Amount of sample

b)         Solubility of evolved gases in sample.

c)         Particle size

d)        Heat of reaction

e)         Sample packing

f)          Nature of sample

g)         Thermal conductivity.