--- type: "WebPage" title: "Laboratory thermal analysis" description: "Your needs: characterize a material through thermal analysis for validation, optimization, or quality control purposes L’analyse thermique est essentielle pour les industriels souhaitant caractériser et optimiser les performances thermiques de leurs matériaux.Grâce à des techniques comme la TGA ou la..." resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/" tags: ["EN", "pll_61275ad0ea838", "Thomas GAUTIER"] timestamp: "2026-08-18T14:36:03Z" published: "2021-08-26T09:11:44Z" language: "en" author: "bwa" --- # Laboratory thermal analysis ## Your needs: characterize a material through thermal analysis for validation, optimization, or quality control purposes L’**analyse thermique** est essentielle pour les industriels souhaitant **caractériser et optimiser les performances thermiques de leurs matériaux**. Grâce à des techniques comme la TGA ou la DSC, le laboratoire FILAB répond aux enjeux des secteurs les plus exigeants, de l’aéronautique à la chimie, en passant par la plasturgie. ## What is thermal analysis? Thermal analysis of a material makes it possible to [characterize the physicochemical properties of a material](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-physicochemical.md) when it is subjected to external thermal stress (temperature). This laboratory analysis makes it possible to **assess the thermal stability and transition behavior of a material** throughout its lifecycle, from formulation to industrial processing and final use. ### Types of materials concerned Thermal analysis applies to a wide range of materials used in industry: [Polymers and plastics](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/laboratory-polymer-characterization.md) : to study their thermal stability, degradation behavior, or phase transitions. [Metals and alloys](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-metals.md) : to analyze thermal expansion and prevent failures under extreme conditions. Chemical[and](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/analysis-chimiques/)pharmaceutical[products](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md) : to ensure their thermal stability and regulatory compliance. Composites : to assess their resistance to high temperatures in applications such as aerospace or automotive. [Ceramics](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-caracterisation-des-materiaux/laboratoire-analysis-ceramique/) : to study their behavior in high-temperature environments, particularly in the energy sector. ### Why perform thermal analysis on your material? ![ATG](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ATG.jpg) L’**analyse thermique** est une technique essentielle pour caractériser **les propriétés thermiques** des matériaux. En utilisant cette analyse, le laboratoire FILAB peut mesurer la réponse thermique de vos matériaux **face à une source de chaleur ou de refroidissement**. Elle permet de caractériser la réponse d’un matériau soumis à des variations de température, en identifiant des propriétés clés telles que :  - transitions de phase (fusion, vitrification),  - la stabilité thermique,  - la capacité calorifique  - ou encore la dégradation chimique. Au laboratoire FILAB, ces analyses faisant appel à différentes techniques ATD, DSC, ATG, sont utilisées pour : optimize manufacturing processes, control the quality of raw materials and finished products, validate compliance with technical requirements, prevent failure risks. ## Our solutions: offering you reliable thermal analysis services and support in interpreting the results For over 30 years, our FILAB laboratory has had the experience and specific analytical resources needed to meet our clients’ thermal analysis needs. FILAB supports companies in the [characterization of their materials](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing.md) through reliable, tailored analysis. ### Our thermal analysis services in the laboratory From analysis to R&D, FILAB laboratory offers multisector services addressing several types of thermal analysis requests such as: [Training in TGA technique](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-analytical-chemistry-training/atg-training-for-laboratories.md) [Thermomechanical testing on polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/thermomechanical-tests-on-polymers-in-the-laboratory.md) [Glass Transition Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/determining-the-glass-transition-temperature-in-the-laboratory.md) [Thermal Diffusivity Measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/thermal-diffusivity-measurement.md) [Thermal Expansion Measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/thermal-expansion-measurement.md) [Thermal analysis on polymer materials](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/analyse-plasturgie-analyse-polymeres/analysis-degradations-thermiques-polymeres/) [Melting Point Analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/measurement-of-the-melting-temperature-in-the-laboratory.md) [Thermal Conductivity Measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/thermal-conductivity.md) [Thermal Effusivity Measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/measurement-thermal-effusivity.md) ### Our technical capabilities for material thermal analysis There are several thermal analysis techniques that make it possible to highlight the physico-chemical characteristics of a material as a function of temperature: [### Thermogravimetric TGA technique, TGA coupled with FTIR infrared](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md) [### Differential thermal DTA technique](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/differential-thermal-analysis-dta-in-the-laboratory.md) [### Differential scanning calorimetric DSC calorimeter technique - Differential Scanning Calorimetry](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) [### Thermo-desorption TDU thermo-desorber coupled with GCMS gas chromatography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/gas-chromatography-analysis-lab-gc/thermodesorber-analysis-in-the-laboratory.md) [### Pyrolysis coupled with GC-MS (py-gcms)](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/py-gc-ms-pyrolysis-gc-ms.md) [### TGA coupled with DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) [### VICAT/HDT](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/thermal-analysis-laboratory/vicat-hdt-testing.md) ### The types of failures prevented thanks to thermal analysis Thermal analysis makes it possible to prevent or diagnose several types of [failures](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md) critical to industry: Thermal degradation: loss of mass or chemical modification of materials under the effect of heat. Chemical instability: unexpected thermal reactions that may compromise product safety or effectiveness. Excessive thermal reactivity: risks of ignition or dangerous decomposition in chemicals. Uncontrolled phase transitions: melting, crystallization or vitrification affecting product performance. Cracking or deformation: resulting from unplanned thermal expansion or contraction, particularly in metals and composites. ### Thermal analysis in industry Thermal analysis is used in many industrial sectors to address specific issues related to material performance and safety. - To determine the**thermal stability** of medicines and the compatibility of components in pharmaceutical formulations. Thermal analysis, through techniques such as DSC, helps ensure the effectiveness, safety, and longevity of pharmaceutical products, thereby meeting the industry’s strict regulations. - Ensuring the **resistance of****materials**to extreme temperatures, especially in the aerospace industry. Thermal analysis helps select materials that can withstand extreme temperature variations and high thermal conditions. - Managing **heat dissipation** in electronic devices to prevent electronic components from overheating. The use of infrared thermography and thermal conductivity measurement makes it possible to design more efficient circuits and suitable cooling systems. Optimizing thermal management is essential to extend the lifespan of electronic devices and minimize the risk of heat-related failure. ## FAQ Examples of materials subjected to thermal analysis Thermal analysis is a scientific technique used to evaluate the thermal properties of various materials. This laboratory method is used to analyze the physical and/or chemical changes that occur during temperature variation. Materials commonly subjected to thermal analysis include polymers, composites, metals, alloys, and ceramics. This technique is very useful for determining material properties such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and thermal diffusivity. What is thermogravimetric analysis? L'[analyse thermogravimétrique](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md) (TGA) est une technique qui mesure la variation de masse d'un échantillon en fonction de la température ou du temps. Elle permet de détecter des phénomènes comme la décomposition, la déshydratation, ou l'oxydation en chauffant l'échantillon sous une atmosphère contrôlée. La TGA est utilisée pour étudier la composition chimique, la stabilité thermique, et les températures de décomposition des matériaux, ce qui est essentiel dans la recherche et développement, ainsi que dans le contrôle qualité de nombreux secteurs industriels tels que les polymères et les céramiques. What are the differences between thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis? Une [analyse thermique](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md) et une analyse thermogravimétrique sont deux techniques de caractérisation de matériaux très courantes. Bien que les deux techniques se concentrent sur la mesure des propriétés thermiques des matériaux, elles diffèrent dans leur approche.  L'analyse thermique est une technique qui mesure les propriétés thermiques face à des variations de température, tandis que l'analyse thermogravimétrique mesure la variation de masse de ce même matériau en réponse à des changements de température. En d'autres termes, alors que l'analyse thermique se concentre sur les changements physico-chimiques induits par des changements de température, l'analyse thermogravimétrique examine les variations de masse qui résultent de ces changements. Ces techniques offrent une compréhension approfondie des propriétés thermiques des matériaux et sont utilisées dans de nombreux domaines allant de l'industrie à la recherche. How do you interpret the results of a thermal analysis? A correct interpretation of the results of a thermal analysis depends on a thorough understanding of the underlying physical principles.  The results of a thermal analysis are often presented in the form of curves showing the evolution of temperature over time or the amount of energy absorbed or released by the sample.  In general, changes in temperature and energy indicate phase transitions or molecular rearrangements in the sample. Understanding these results is essential for optimizing material properties. What thermal properties are analyzed during thermal analysis? During a thermal analysis, several thermal properties of materials are studied to understand their behavior under various temperature conditions. Here are the main properties analyzed: > Heat capacity (Cp): This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one unit of mass of the material by one degree Celsius, helping to understand how a material absorbs and stores thermal energy. > Thermal transition: This includes the detection of transition points such as melting points, crystallization points, and glass transitions, indicating at which temperatures a material changes phase or structure. > Thermal stability: This property describes a material’s ability to retain its physical and chemical characteristics at high temperatures. Thermal decomposition or degradation can be analyzed to determine at what temperature a material begins to break down. > Thermal conductivity: This is a measure of a material’s ability to conduct heat. This property is essential for applications where heat management is critical, such as in insulating materials or electronic components. > Coefficient of thermal expansion: It quantifies the expansion or contraction of a material in response to temperature changes, for applications requiring high dimensional precision. > Decomposition temperature: The temperature at which a material begins to chemically decompose, especially under high-temperature conditions. > Thermal expansion: This measures dimensional changes in response to temperature. For materials used in construction or in the manufacture of components that undergo temperature fluctuations, this property is vital to ensure structural integrity and material compatibility. Analyzing these properties helps industries choose, design, and manufacture materials suited to specific applications, ensuring performance, safety, and durability. How can thermal analysis help prevent failures? It makes it possible to identify phenomena such as thermal degradation, unexpected phase transitions, or cracking due to temperature variations, thereby avoiding performance or safety issues. Which industrial sectors use thermal analysis? It is used in aerospace, automotive, chemicals, plastics processing, pharmaceuticals, and energy, for applications ranging from material characterization to validation of manufacturing processes. What parameters can be measured by thermal analysis? Thermal analysis measures key parameters such as degradation temperature, thermal stability, transition enthalpy, thermal expansion coefficients, and mass loss. What results can be expected after a thermal analysis? The results include thermal behavior curves (TGA, DSC) or precise data on expansion, critical temperatures, mass loss, and material-specific thermal transitions. Why use a specialized laboratory for thermal analysis? A specialized laboratory offers state-of-the-art equipment, qualified experts, and guarantees analysis that comply with industry standards (ISO, COFRAC), which are essential for meeting the requirements of complex industrial projects. Expertise, evidence and traceabilityMise à jour : juillet 2026 ## Why trust the FILAB laboratory for thermal analysis in the lab? FILAB combines tailored analytical methods, expert interpretation of results, and a documented quality framework to produce data your teams can use. ### Accréditations reconnues - ✓ ISO 17025 - ✓ Nadcap MTL [Our accreditations](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/accreditations-en.md) ### Expérience industrielle - Aerospace, energy, defense, metallurgy - Chemicals, healthcare, medical devices ### Nos références : - SAFRAN - FRAMATOME - EDF - DASSAULT AVIATION - Aubert & Duval - Airbus Defence & Space - Liebherr ### Un expert à votre contact [in Thomas Gautier](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gautier-9587b094/) **Materials and metallurgy expert** Thomas Gautier supports materials analysis, failure analysis, and metallurgy projects. [in Clément Boenard](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cl%C3%A9ment-boenard-94b371b5/) **Head of chemical expertise** Clément Boenard supports chemical analysis projects. [Our team](https://filab.fr/en/about-us/the-team.md) [Avis vérifiés](https://www.avis-verifies.com/avis-clients/filab.fr) ## What our clients say L **Lucile g.** 10 June 2026 "I used Filab for a chemical analysis. Very satisfied with the service. Responsive team, deadlines met, and a clear analysis report. I recommend them." 5/5 N **Nicolas a.** 12 May 2026 "Very responsive laboratory, with excellent analysis quality and deadlines met. Communication is smooth, the technical explanations are clear, and the team knows how to adapt to specific needs. I recommend them for their professionalism and reliability!" 5/5 C **Charlotte t.** 8 May 2026 "Clear and precise deliverable, delivered on time. I recommend them." 5/5 Transparency & contact Dernière vérification : juillet 2026 ## Where to find us and how to contact us FILAB is an independent, accredited physical laboratory located in France. All the contact details below allow you to verify our identity and start your request. ![Façade du laboratoire FILAB](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/filab-exterieur.gif) ### FILAB Laboratory Ecoparc Dijon Bourgogne 80 rue Jean-Louis Auguste Petitjean 21850 Saint-Apollinaire, France Tél. [+33 (0)3 80 52 32 05](tel:+33380523205) [Request a quote](https://filab.fr/en/contact-form.md)