Peak decomposition temperature
Temperature of the maximum mass-loss rate (Tmax) for each step.
Useful forThermal stability comparisonsThermal Analysis
DTG
Derivative Thermogravimetry
DTG plots how fast a sample loses mass as it is heated: the first derivative of a TGA curve. Each peak marks the temperature at which a decomposition step is fastest, separating overlapping steps.
1 test optionRate of mass loss (%/°C)Resolves overlapping stepsTypical turnaround 3–5 working days
DTG measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is DTG?
Derivative Thermogravimetry is recorded on a thermogravimetric analyser: the sample is weighed continuously on a microbalance while a furnace heats it. The mass curve is then differentiated, giving the rate of mass change (dm/dT or dm/dt) at every temperature.
Where a TGA curve shows gradual, merging steps, DTG turns each one into a distinct peak. The peak temperature (Tmax) is a sensitive marker for comparing thermal stability, and shoulders reveal overlapping reactions that are hard to see in the mass curve alone.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Sample on a thermobalance
A few milligrams are placed in a crucible that hangs from a microbalance inside a furnace.
- 02
Mass is logged
The furnace heats at a set rate while the mass is recorded at every temperature.
- 03
Slope is calculated
At each point, the slope of the mass curve (dm/dT) is worked out.
- 04
Peaks show fastest loss
Plotted against temperature, each mass-loss step becomes a peak at its fastest rate (Tmax).
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Overlapping steps
Separate reactions that merge into a single step in the TGA curve.
Useful forBlends, composites, multi-component samplesMaximum rate of mass loss
How fast the sample loses mass at each peak, in %/°C or %/min.
Useful forDegradation and kinetic studiesStart and end of each step
Where each mass-loss event begins and where it is complete.
Useful forSetting drying or processing limitsBatch fingerprinting
Compare DTG peak patterns between batches or suppliers.
Useful forQuality control of polymers, biomass, drugs04 / Test options
Choose the DTG options you need
1 option · none added yet
05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Powders, granules, films, fibres, small solid pieces and liquids
- Quantity
- At least 50 mg per sample (5–20 mg is used per run)
- Piece size
- Small enough to lie flat in a ~5 mm crucible
- Conditions
- Nitrogen by default; say if you need air or a specific end temperature
- Dry samples, unless moisture loss is part of the study
- Grind or cut samples so they sit flat in the crucible
- Send in sealed, labelled vials
- No explosive, energetic or self-reactive materials
- No samples releasing corrosive or toxic gases without prior discussion
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- DTG curve (rate of mass loss vs temperature)
- TGA mass curve from the same run
- Peak temperatures (Tmax) for each step
- Mass loss per step (%)
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 3–5 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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