New NIST-traceable Standards for Calibration and Validation of DSC

摘要

NIST is generating a new suite of Standard Reference Materials for calibration and validation of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Calibration and validation of DSC measurement methods require having known property values of some reference materials. Several reference materials and associated reference values have been proposed for the purposes of calibration and/or validation of DSC. However, issues of available sample purity, reference-property value accuracy, and potential undesired reactions between reference materials and the materials used for sample pans have not been considered sufficiently in several of the proposals of reference values for reference properties. These limitations greatly limit the usefulness of the reference material recommendations. Indeed, the state of uncertainty regarding true reference property values could be a limiting factor in the calibration of DSC. NIST has undertaken measurements of the highest accuracy possible to certify a set of Standard Reference Materials for use in differential scanning calorimetry. The range of temperature validity for the current set of new reference materials ranges from 100 K to 700 K. The new materials and the methods used for certification of the Standard Reference Materials are discussed.