Why Does My DSC Baseline Go Below Zero?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the phenomenon of a DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) baseline dropping below zero (0 W/g). Key reasons identified include potential bad calibration of the instrument and the nature of the initial value set for the measurement. Additionally, the conversion of materials from one polymorph to another may release energy, contributing to negative readings. Users are encouraged to repeat measurements with the same sample to confirm consistency in results.

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  • Knowledge of polymorphism in materials science
  • Experience with energy measurement units, specifically Watts per gram (W/g)
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Researchers and technicians in materials science, thermal analysis specialists, and anyone involved in the operation and calibration of DSC instruments.

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My baseline for the DSC goes past zero (below 0 W/g) why would the instrument be doing this?
 
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This may be obvious, but: Bad calibration?
 
it goes relative to the initial value you put in. the absolute number does not mean much.
 
Perhaps you converted from one polymorph to another and a little energy was released? Have you run the same sample twice and noticed the negative value again?
 

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