Temperature, heat and heat flow rate calibration of differential scanning calorimeters

This contribution discusses basic problems and fundamental requirements for a universally applicable, unified and metrologically correct calibration of differential scanning calorimeters (DSC). The essential features of previously published recommendations of the German Society for Thermal Analysis (GEFTA) [see Höhne et al., Thermochim. Acta 160 (1990) 1–12; Cammenga et al., Thermochim. Acta 219 (1993) 333–343; Sarge et al., Thermochim. Acta 247 (1994) 129–168; J. Thermal Anal. 49 (1997) 1125–1134] developed for a correct and instrument-independent calibration of temperature, heat and heat flow rate of DSC, are outlined.