Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Differential scanning calorimetry is very similar to differential thermal analysis but the sample and the reference standard are situated in two separate furnaces each with its own energy supply. The temperature of both the sample and the standard are monitored separately and if, during the temperature program, the sample temperature changes relative to that of the standard, the heat to the sample furnace is adjusted so the temperature difference is maintained zero. The difference in energy supply to the two furnaces is recorded and presented as a curve relating the differential energy to furnace temperature. The resulting curve may show positive or negative peaks that indicate phase changes in the sample (e.g. melting or crystallization etc,.).

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