Thermogravimetric analysis

TGA machine

Thermogravimetric analysis also known as thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is a method of thermal analysis in which changes in physical and chemical properties of materials. It is measured as a function of increasing temperature (with constant heating rate), or as a function of time (with constant temperature and/or constant mass loss)

1. A TGA consists of a sample pan that is supported by a precision balance. That pan resides in a furnace and is heated or cooled during the experiment. 
2. The mass of the sample is monitored during the experiment.
3.  A sample purge gas controls the sample environment. This gas may be inert or a reactive gas that flows over the sample and exits through an exhaust.

Temperature resistance of silicones used for P-N junction-coating resins for diode assembly

By using this analysis, one can predict the thermal stability of given sample and it is used to determine the composition of given sample. This technique is used for those substances which can exhibit weight loss or gain due to certain reactions like decomposition, oxidation, and dehydration.

Thermogravimetric analysis gives information about the composition of multi component Systems and their thermal Stability. This technique is useful to measure the oxidative Stability of Materials and in the estimation of lifetime of a product. It shows the decomposition Kinetics of Materials and the effect of reactive or corrosive atmospheres on Materials. By using this technique, we can calculate the moisture and volatiles content of materials.

Block diagram of machine

The thermogravimetric analyzer consists a container which is in the form of a crucible for holding the sample, a furnace for heating the given sample at a high temperature, and an appropriate balance which can continuously monitor the sample.