Entropy production in temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry

The non-equilibrium process due to irreversible heat exchanges occurring during a temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry experiment is investigated in detail. This enables us to define an experimental frequency dependent complex heat capacity from this calorimetric method. The physical meaning of this dynamic heat capacity is discussed. A relationship is clearly established between the imaginary part of this complex quantity and the net entropy created during the experimental time-scale.