Mass loss with its heat effect
Each mass step paired with its endotherm or exotherm.
Useful forDecomposition and dehydration studiesThermal Analysis
STA/TGA
Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer
STA measures mass change (TGA) and heat flow (DSC) on the same sample in one run. Seeing both signals together shows whether each thermal event involves a mass loss, a mass gain or none.
2 test optionsTGA + DSC in a single runRoom temperature to 1000 °CTypical turnaround 4–6 working days
STA/TGA measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is STA/TGA?
A simultaneous thermal analyser places a sample crucible and a reference crucible on a sensor carried by a microbalance, inside one furnace. As the temperature rises, it records the sample's mass (TGA) and its heat flow (DSC, or ΔT in DTA mode) at the same moment.
Because both signals come from the same sample under the same conditions, each mass step can be matched to its endotherm or exotherm. This tells melting apart from decomposition and dehydration apart from oxidation, and saves running TGA and DSC separately.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Crucibles on the sensor
The sample and an empty reference crucible are placed on a sensor carried by a microbalance.
- 02
Furnace closes and heats
The furnace heats both crucibles at a set rate, typically 10 °C/min, in nitrogen or air.
- 03
Two signals at once
The balance logs mass while thermocouples under the crucibles log heat flow.
- 04
Curves are overlaid
Mass and heat-flow curves are plotted together, so each event can be matched to a mass change.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Melting vs decomposition
Tell a melting peak (no mass change) from decomposition (mass loss).
Useful forDrugs, polymers, organic compoundsComposition & residue
Moisture, volatiles, organic content and final residue, in %.
Useful forComposites, fillers, catalystsOxidation & mass gain
Mass gain or loss together with the exothermic heat of reaction in air.
Useful forMetals, carbons, oxidation stabilityTransition temperatures
Onset and peak temperatures of melting, phase changes and reactions.
Useful forInorganics, ceramics, salts04 / Test options
Choose the STA/TGA options you need
2 options · none added yet
05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Powders, granules, films, fibres and small solid pieces
- Quantity
- At least 50 mg per sample (5–20 mg is used per run)
- Piece size
- Fits a ~5 mm crucible; fine powder gives the best contact
- Conditions
- Say which atmosphere (nitrogen or air) and end temperature you need
- Dry samples, unless moisture loss is part of the study
- Mention the expected decomposition temperature, if known
- Send in sealed, labelled vials
- No explosive, energetic or self-reactive materials
- No low-melting metals that may alloy with platinum crucibles
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
- Overlaid TGA and DSC curves
- DTG curve (rate of mass loss)
- Mass loss per step and final residue (%)
- Onset and peak temperatures of thermal events
- Raw data files
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 4–6 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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