(TGA) Thermal Gravimetric Analysis
The TA Instruments Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measures the change in mass of a sample as heat is applied in a controlled environment. This measurement provides information about physical phenomena, such as phase transitions, absorption, adsorption, and desorption; as well as chemical phenomena, including chemisorptions, thermal decomposition, and solid-gas reactions (e.g., oxidation or reduction)
The Q 500 Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with autosampler and heat exchanger has an isolated thermo-balance and an innovative IR-heated furnace to measure weight changes as small as 1 microgram across temperature ranges from 30 to 1000 °C. Samples may be analyzed in either an inert (N2 or Ar) or reactive (air) atmosphere, and the system’s software allows users to switch between atmospheres during a run. More exotic gases can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Samples are run using a hanging pan. Depending on the testing need, we work with our customers to create a custom method for our customers.
The typical sample size is 1-20 mg. Sample loading into the instrument is controlled by an autosampler robot allowing up to 10 samples to be analyzed without the user needing to be present.
Some examples of TGA
| PROPERTY | METHOD |
|---|---|
| Composition | Step evaluation, residue |
| Thermal stability, decomposition | Step evaluation |
| Moisture | Step evaluation |
| Oxidation stability | Onset, limits |
| Kinetics of reactions | Conversion/step reaction |
| Adsorption / Desorption processes | Step evaluation |
| Vaporization behavior | Step evaluation |
| Influence of reactive gases | Integration, step evaluation |