Thermal analysis
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
TGA measures mass change during controlled heating to assess moisture, volatiles, decomposition, oxidation, residue, and thermal stability.
Thermogravimetric Analysis continuously records sample mass while temperature changes under a defined atmosphere. RNDgrid helps define the temperature program, gas, flow conditions, sample mass, and safety information. Pairing TGA with DSC, FTIR, or evolved-gas analysis may be valuable when the identity of a mass-loss event matters.
When this method is useful
- Polymers, composites, catalysts, minerals, biomass, pharmaceuticals, powders, and formulated materials
- Moisture and volatile content, decomposition stages, oxidation, filler or ash residue, and comparative stability
- Process or formulation comparisons under consistent measurement conditions
What the report can include
- Mass and derivative-mass curves versus temperature or time
- Onset or characteristic temperatures and percentage mass changes
- Final residue under the stated temperature and atmosphere
Sample preparation and scoping
- Provide hazard, reactivity, volatility, and expected decomposition information.
- Use representative small samples and disclose fillers, solvents, moisture sensitivity, or energetic behavior.
- Select inert or oxidative atmosphere based on the actual research question.
Limitations to consider
- TGA shows when mass changes, not necessarily which chemical species evolved.
- Results depend on heating rate, atmosphere, geometry, sample mass, and calibration.
- Events without mass change are not detected; DSC or spectroscopy may be required.
Capabilities, detection limits, accreditation scope, and turnaround vary by method and partner laboratory. Confirm the final scope in the quotation before sending samples.
Questions to answer before booking
- Is the aim moisture, decomposition, oxidation, filler content, or residue?
- Should testing use nitrogen, air, oxygen, or sequential atmospheres?
- Is evolved-gas identification or DSC correlation required?
Related methods
Request TGA testing
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