Thermal Capacity Measurement

The thermal capacity of a sample corresponds to the heat required to vary its temperature. It is also called heat capacity or specific heat. This quantity is often expressed in J/g/°C.

Measurement method

The thermal capacity of your samples is measured by precisely measuring the heat exchanged by your samples with the outside during a controlled temperature variation. This type of measurement is carried out by calorimetry (DSC) or by microcalorimetry for better precision.

Temperature range

Thermal capacity measurements are easily performed between -80 and 600°C. To cover this wide temperature range, Calnesis uses several types of calorimeters: microcalorimeter, calorimeter, DSC, etc. Beyond this range of solutions also exist, in particular by ATG coupled DSC for by ATD. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss it!

Sample size and type

The choice of the device and the cells used for the thermal capacity measurement will be made by the Calnesis teams according to the homogeneity and the physical state of your samples (liquid, solid, paste, powder, etc.), but also according to the desired temperature range. The thermal capacity generally requires between a few milligrams (µL) and a few grams (mL) of product.

We choose the calorimeter adapted to the desired temperature range but also to the characteristics of your samples: liquids, solids, pastes, etc.

Mickaël Simond, CEO and Sales Director, Calnesis

Thermal stability

The samples analyzed must be thermally stable over the entire desired temperature range: not show any change in state, evaporation of solvents, thermal degradation, etc. Indeed, any thermal effect occurring during the controlled temperature variation would disturb the measurement by adding to the measured heat flux.

Measurement accuracy

The accuracy of the thermal capacity measurements made by Calnesis most often varies between 1 and 3%. This depends on the calorimeter used, the type of sample and the desired temperature range.

Bibliography

Experimental Data and Modeling of Solution Density and Heat Capacity in the Na–K–Ca–Mg–Cl–H2O System up to 353.15 K and 5 mol·kg–1 Ionic Strength
J. Chem. Eng. Data
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jced.7b00553