This document specifies two methods for the determination of specific heat capacity of advanced monolithic technical ceramic materials based on drop calorimetry (Method A) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, Method B) over a temperature range from room temperature upwards, depending on the design of the equipment.
NOTE 1 The methods described apply in the case of test materials free from phase transformations, annealing effects or partial melting. If any such effect occurs in a material over the temperature range of the test, spurious results will be obtained unless the data are carefully analysed. In such cases it is usually necessary to conduct repeat tests at a number of temperatures close to the discontinuity, in order to estimate correctly its contribution to the apparent heat capacity.
NOTE 2 Care should be exercised in both methods over the selection of the cell or crucible material and in the selection of the test atmosphere, especially at high temperatures. Test pieces can react with the crucible or the atmosphere, leading to spurious results. In general, an awareness of such problems should be maintained at all times. Especially with regard to Method B, awareness should also be maintained of radiation effects at temperatures above 1000 °C, and of the reproducibility of the output signal.