Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are techniques to characterize materials in pharmaceuticals, material science, food, and petrochemicals. They measure the weight of a compound as it is heated or cooled in a controlled environment, as well as endothermic and exothermic properties, and more. TGA and DSC are comprehensive and versatile, therefore they can analyze a wide range of materials, including polymers, laminates, composites, rubbers, elastomers, and fillers.
How can you use thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry?
TGA can evaluate the thermal stability of a material. In a desired temperature range, if a material is thermally stable, there is no observed change of mass. TGA also reveals the upper use temperature of a material, beyond which the material will begin to degrade.
LSI offers a wide range of thermal analysis tests, including TGA, TGA-FT-IR, DSC, and mDSC:
- temperature and heat of fusion, vaporization and crystallization
- heat of reaction, including polymerization, oxidation and combustion
- temperature and heat of decomposition (e.g., dehydration)
- heat of solution, adsorption or desorption
- specific heat, activation energy, polymer crystallinity, curing time
- material purity, thermal and oxidative stability
- reactivity and reaction rates
- temperature and glass transition, softening, linear coefficient of expansion
For more info on TGA and DSC, Perkin Elmer has an excellent guide.
