Design and implementation of a differential scanning calorimeter for the simultaneous measurement of small angle neutron scattering

For almost 30 years, at synchrotron facilities, it has been possible to perform small-angle x-ray scattering experiments whilst simultaneously measuring differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). However, a range of challenges exist to enable the collection of simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and DSC data associated not only with intrinsic flux limitations but also scattering geometry and thermal control. The development of a DSC (temperature range ca. −150 °C to 500 °C) suitable for SANS is detailed here and its successful use is illustrated with combined measurements on a binary blend of normal alkanes in which one component has been deuterium labelled.