How does a thermogravimetric analyzer work?

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) is an analytical instrument used to study the mass change of materials under temperature changes. It analyzes the composition and properties of samples by measuring the mass loss of samples as temperature or time changes. Below, Hutt Xiaobian will introduce the working principle of the thermogravimetric analyzer in detail.

Working Principle of Thermogravimetric Analyzer

1. Temperature Control and Sample Heating

One of the core parts of the thermogravimetric analyzer is the temperature control system. At the beginning of the experiment, the operator will set a specific temperature program, including parameters such as starting temperature, heating rate, and final temperature. The instrument heats the sample through the built-in heating element based on these parameters.

2. Quality Monitoring and Data Recording

At the same time, the balance part of the instrument continuously monitors the mass of the sample. Since the mass of the sample may increase or decrease during the heating process (such as water evaporation, chemical reaction, etc.), these mass changes will be recorded in real time and converted into data.

3. Generation of thermogravimetric curves

The thermogravimetric analyzer generates a thermogravimetric curve by recording the changes in sample mass over temperature or time. This curve diagram intuitively shows the mass changes of the sample during the heating process and is an important basis for analyzing the properties of the sample.

4. Analysis of mass changes

Based on the thermogravimetric curve, scientists and engineers can analyze multiple characteristics of the sample, including but not limited to:

Thermal stability: the stability of the sample at different temperatures, that is, at what temperature the mass changes.

Decomposition temperature: the temperature point at which the sample begins to decompose, that is, the temperature at which the mass begins to decrease.

Weight loss rate: the percentage of mass lost by the sample during the heating process.

Residue analysis: the residual mass of the sample after heating is completed, which helps to understand the final composition of the sample.

The working principle of the thermogravimetric analyzer is to precisely control the heating process of the sample and monitor the mass change of the sample at different temperatures in real time, thereby generating a thermogravimetric curve that describes the thermal stability, decomposition temperature, weight loss rate and other characteristics of the sample, providing important data for analyzing and understanding the thermal behavior of the material.

Thermogravimetric analyzers are widely used in many fields, including materials science, chemical industry, environmental science, food industry and pharmaceutical research. Through thermogravimetric analyzers, researchers can better understand the thermal behavior of materials and optimize product performance and production processes.

Thermogravimetric analyzers provide a powerful analytical tool for research and industrial applications by precisely controlling temperature and monitoring changes in sample mass. Through in-depth analysis of thermogravimetric curves, the thermal properties and composition of samples can be revealed, thus playing an important role in scientific research and practical applications.