subject: The Uses Of Thermogravimetric Analysis In A Lab Environment [print this page] Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a process that involves measuring change in weight of the chosen material in relation to change in temperature. This measurement can be calculated by conducting an experiment in a controlled environment where the weight of the material, the initial temperature and the change in temperature and subsequent change in weight are measured.
Several materials can be tested for changes in weight characteristics (among others) during change in temperature. These materials are normally composites including adhesives, polymers, glass, various metals and chemicals, etc. The material however has to be in solid form at least during the start of the process or experiment.
For precise thermogravimetric analysis a high tech analyzer is required to analyze the effects of high temperature on the material and a detailed graph is usually displayed to show the exact time and temperature rating at which degradation or weight loss starts to take place.
The graph or weight loss curve can indicate as to when the material loses its thermal stability and this can help researchers in devising improved materials or study the limitations of the current material. The end result could be improved products that use better materials that can withstand higher temperatures without degrading at a fast rate.
A TGA analyzer usually contains an electrical oven with a cavity to insert the sample material and a pan on a balance that can measure minute changes in weight. A computer is also connected to the analyzer to interpret the changes in weight along with the change in temperature and display the data in figures and also in graph form.
The oven can normally heat up the sample to as high as 2400 degrees Celsius while the computer interprets the changes taking place in the sample and displays a curve graph showing degradation, if any, of that material.
The thermogravimetric analysis tests can be conducted in the presence of an inert gas or in oxidative conditions or even in a vacuum depending on the material and the nature of those tests. A spectrometer along with sensors is used to deliver the readings to the attached computer, which then interprets and displays the data in graph form.
Thermogravimetric analysis is useful for industries such as pharmaceutical, metallurgy, polymer, energy, biomedical, electronics, construction, chemicals and ceramic, among others. These industries always look for ways to improve their products and require products that can retain their stability at higher temperatures.
The results can also be stored and compared for further improvements in choosing the ideal material for particular products. There are several brands and types of TGA analyzers available depending on the industry and type of material that needs to be tested.
The newer thermogravimetric analysis machines can not only measure change in weight but also measure oxidation, corrosion, hydration, dehydration, decomposition, and various other parameters critical for a particular industry.
As industries compete with others to locate cheaper and better materials for use in their products, they also require the right testing instruments that provide them with precise reports in an instant. Thermogravimetric analysis is one such test that is necessary in several industries that need to keep a strict eye on the changes experienced by various materials due to changes in temperature.
