It can be used in the analysis of:
- volatile products
- gaseous products lost during the reaction in thermoplastics
- thermosets
- elastomers
- composites
- films
- fibres
- coatings
- paints
The thermogravimetric analysis process
A small mass of the material is placed in a furnace under a specific atmosphere and the variation in the mass is recorded following a defined temperature program. The temperature program can be set to:
- a fixed temperature for a period of time (isothermal or static TGA)
- a series of steps in temperature (quasi-static TGA)
- a continuous increase in temperature at a constant heat rate (dynamic TGA)
TGA can be used to study the thermal stability, for identification or quality control of materials. Complex materials or mixtures can also be analysed with the right temperature program and gaseous environment.
TGA can also be used to study oxidation or reactions with other reactive gases or vapours.