Reproducibility of some solid-state phase transition temperatures as obtained from DTA/DSC

Abstract

The reproducibility of some solid-state phase transition temperatures, as deter- mined by differential scanning calorimetry, is assessed by a literature search and also by analysis of results obtained in the limit of zero heating rate for KNO₃, CsCl, and anhydrous Li₂SO₄, using different instruments. The study is complemented by an overview of previously published results for the phase transition temperatures of several inorganic materials commonly used for temperature calibration of thermal analysis instruments. Reproducibility among the onset temperature of solid-state phase transitions of inorganic salts, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry, can be conservatively estimated to be within ±1 ^oC under favorable circumstances and around ±2 ^oC in general.