Introduction

ASTM E1269 is used to determine the Specific Heat Capacity of a solid and liquid sample by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). DSC is a thermal analysis instrument that measures how a sample’s physical properties change along with its temperature.

Scope

In ASTM E1269, Differential scanning calorimetric measurements provide a rapid, simple method for determining the specific heat capacities of materials. Many machines get overheated, which can cause system failure or damage. This issue is prevented by incorporating cooling systems into the machines. A cooling system contains heat transfer fluids that absorb and dissipate large quantities of heat. Knowing the specific heat capacities of different materials is essential to selecting a suitable heat transfer fluid for a cooling system.

Knowing specific heat capacities is essential for designing reactors, engines, and cooling systems. Manufacturers and engineers constantly use these capacities for design, quality control, and research and development.

Specific Heat Capacity Vs. Heat Capacity:

The difference between specific heat capacity and heat capacity is as follows.

Specific heat CapacityHeat capacity
Total heat required to change an object’s temperature by 1°C.The heat required to change the temperature of 1 gram (or kg) of a substance by 1°C.
It is dependent on the object’s mass. The larger the mass, the higher the heat capacity.It is independent of mass and intrinsic to the material.
Joules per degree Celsius (J/°C) or Joules per Kelvin (J/K).Joules per gram per degree Celsius (J/g°C) or Joules per kilogram per Kelvin (J/kg K).

Test Procedure

The temperature range at which the test is usually performed is 100 – 600 °C. An empty specimen holder and a specimen holder containing reference material, synthetic sapphire, are weighed. Place both these holders in the DSC test chamber and then adjust the temperature to the initial temperature of the experiment at 20 °C/min. The temperature is maintained for at least 4 min to establish equilibrium, and the thermal curve is recorded. The test specimen is heated from the initial to the final temperature at 20 °C/min, and the thermal curve is recorded. After recording the thermal curve, cool the DSC test chamber to room temperature. Later, the sapphire standard is placed in the same empty specimen holder, and its weight is recorded. Then, place the test specimen into the empty holder and record its weight.

Specimen Size

Liquid specimens are sampled directly after stirring. Solid specimens may be cut or sliced with a knife or a blade. Samples are usually analyzed as received. The report must note this treatment if they are treated with heat or mechanical.

Data

DSC measures enthalpy changes in samples due to changes in their physical and chemical properties as a function of temperature or time.

Result

DSC is used in renewable energy to analyze materials within solar cells, batteries, and other energy storage devices. Performance and durability standards are essential for the sustainable and efficient development of energy solutions.

Conclusion

ASTM E1269 provides an accurate and sensitive method for measuring specific heat capacity using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Enthalpy change measurements with DSC can now provide crucial information related to a material’s ability to absorb heat, which may help design more efficient cooling systems and avoid thermal instability of components in various applications. Only with such accurate data on specific heats can manufacturers, engineers, and researchers fine-tune their products’ reliability, safety, and performance in thermal management systems.

 

Infinita Lab is a leading provider of DSC and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.

Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote

FAQs

What is the specific heat capacity in differential scanning calorimetry?

Specific heat capacity (cp) is a material property that describes the energy required to effect a given change in the temperature of a unit mass of the material. This quantity may be measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC).

What is the difference between specific heat capacity and heat capacity?

Heat capacity is the ability of a substance to absorb the heat energy required to increase its temperature by one degree. In comparison, specific heat capacity is the ability of a substance to absorb the heat energy needed to increase its temperature by one degree per unit mass.

How to calculate enthalpy in DSC?

DSC measurement can determine the reaction's enthalpy by integrating the area of the reaction peak and interpolating the baseline from the beginning to the end of the reaction.

What is the purpose of the specific heat capacity?

Specific heat capacity is the heat that can increase one unit temperature of a substance's mass unit. Calculating heat capacity is significant because it is an essential parameter for predicting heat transfer capacity.

What is ASTM E1269 used for?

ASTM E1269 is a test method for determining the specific heat capacity of solid and liquid materials using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. This information is necessary for various industrial practices in thermal management.


Talk to Our Experts Today!

Submit your contact info and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours

    Full Spectrum of ASTM Material Testing — Backed by 2,000+ Trusted Lab Partners

    Polymers and Plastics

    ASTM standards for chemical composition, physical properties, failure analysis, and other routine and non-routine testing for polymers and plastics

    See All Polymers and Plastics Test
    Ceramics

    ASTM standards for determination of mechanical, physical, and thermal properties, and performance of monolithic and composite ceramics

    See All Ceramics Test
    Metals and Alloys

    ASTM standards guiding various destructive, non-destructive and analytical tests for quality control of different metals and alloys

    See All Metals and Alloys Test
    Chemical Analysis

    ASTM standards for chemical analysis of solid, liquid and gaseous materials for specification compliance and quality control

    See All Chemical Analysis Test
    Paints and Coatings

    ASTM standards for various chemical, physical, stability and exposure analysis of paints and coatings

    See All Paints and Coatings Test

    Our Services

    Metrology

    Metrology

    A variety of microscopy and spectroscopy tools available for precise measurements from the nano to the meter scale.

    Learn More
    Materials Testing

    Materials Testing

    ASTM and ISO standard and custom chemical, mechanical, thermal, corrosion tests, etc. for all materials metals, ceramic or polymers.

    Learn More
    Product Testing

    Product Testing

    Thousands of tests for product quality and reliability under heat, humidity, temperature shock, vibration, drop, electrostatic discharge.

    Learn More

    Discover more from Infinita Lab

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

    Continue reading

    ×

    Talk to an Expert

      Connect Instantly

      (888) 878-3090
      Ensure Quality with the Widest Network of Accredited Labs
      • ddd
        Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
      • ddd
        Confidentiality Guarantee
      • ddd
        Free, No-obligation Consultation
      • ddd
        100% Customer Satisfaction

        ddd

        Start Material Testing