TGA (Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer)
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a thermal analysis technique which measures the weight change in a material as a function of temperature and time, in a controlled environment. This can be very useful to investigate the thermal stability of a material, or to investigate its behavior in different atmospheres (e.g. inert or oxidizing). It is suitable for use with all types of solid materials, including organic or inorganic materials.
Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a calorimetric technique, recording the temperature and heat flow associated with thermal transitions in a material. This enables phase transitions to be determined (e.g. melting point, glass transition temperature, crystallization etc.).
TGA/DTA Technical Capabilities
Signal Detected:
Weight and temperature
Measurement Range:
0.1-200mg
20-1100°C
Ideal Uses for TGA/DTA
- Thermal stability/degradation investigation of organic or inorganic materials, e.g. polymers, composites, glasses, metals, minerals etc.
- Thermal stability/degradation investigations in inert or oxidative atmospheres, or in vacuum
- Determination of organic/inorganic content of mixtures
- Curing kinetics (e.g, adhesives, polymers)
- Chemical composition measurements (using appropriate reference standards, accurate quantification of sample composition can be determined
Relevant Industries for TGA/DTA
- Semiconductor
- Energy
- Polymers/biomass
- Pharmaceutical
- Biomedical
- Metallurgy
- Ceramics
- Chemicals
- Construction materials
- Optical
- Solar
- Batteries
Strengths of TGA/DTA
- Any type of solid can be analyzed, with minimal sample preparation (e.g. powders, pellets, chunks, flakes etc)
- Minimum sample size ( at least 0.1mg)
- Qualitative or quantitative analysis
Limitations of TGA/DTA
- Solid (or initially solid) samples only
- Data interpretation not always straightforward. Analysis in combination with other techniques is often helpful.