Experimental investigation into the heat capacity measurement using an modulated DSC

Experiments using a commercial modulated DSC (MDSC) for the measurement of specific heat capacity of a sample have been carried out. It is found that because the amplitude of heat flow of MDSC is a complicated non-linear function of various experimental conditions such as the modulation frequency and the heat capacities of a sample and pan, the methodology of heat capacity determination using an MDSC in a single run has not been justified. The experimental results, on the other hand, agree with the theoretical equation of one of the authors. It is therefore concluded that the capabilities of MDSC should be further examined.