A new calorimetric system to measure heat capacities of solids by the drop method

A new electrically calibrated calorimetric system to measure heat capacities of solids has been designed and tested by determining the heat capacity of sapphire and benzoic acid in the temperature range 298-393 K. Comparison of the obtained results with recommended adiabatic calorimetry data showed that the maximum and average absolute deviations were 3.3% and 1.6%, respectively. The technique provides a convenient alternative to routine heat capacity determinations by DSC, since the experiments are faster and, in general, the results have better accuracy. In addition, the sample cells can be kept under argon or nitrogen atmosphere thus enabling the study of air sensitive compounds.