Differential Scanning Calorimetry is frequently used for measurements
of thermal properties on all kinds of substances, The temperature lag
in the samples depend on the thermal properties and the thermal contac
t between sample and sample holder. In the paper, we discuss the tempe
rature distribution in samples of comparatively low thermal conductivi
ty, such as polymers. The purpose of this study is to pinpoint the sub
stantial temperature differences that may occur in such bad conducting
samples under different conditions. The calculations of the temperatu
re gradients have been carried out by using a finite element software
package.