TGA, TGA-FTIR and TGA-MS analysis in a laboratory
Your needs: perform thermogravimetric analysis (or TGA analysis) of your materials
What is thermogravimetric analysis?
Thermogravimetric analysis is a thermal analysis technique used for materials characterization. Also known as TGA analysis, this method makes it possible to analyze materials, particularly polymers, by identifying their behavior as a function of temperature.
By gradually heating a sample, TGA analysis reveals the material’s behavior under heat and identifies key properties such as thermal stability and composition.
Understanding how a material reacts to heat enables us to better anticipate its performance, stability and evolution over time.
What is TGA analysis?
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA analysis) is a technique that measures changes in the mass of a material as a function of temperature. By heating a sample, its weight loss or gain is observed, enabling processes such as decomposition, oxidation or volatilization to be analyzed.
This method is essential for assessing the thermal stability, composition and thermal reactions of materials such as polymers, plastics and paints.
In a TGA laboratory, precise measurements are conducted to ensure accurate analysis of material properties.
Why use TGA thermogravimetric analysis?
TGA analysis involves measuring the change in mass of a sample when it is heated. The results obtained from TGA analysis can be used to identify the evaporation, desorption, decomposition or combustion temperatures of the material under study. This analysis can be used to identify thermal properties such as phase transitions, thermal stability, chemical composition, surface mechanics and reactivity.
This method is therefore extremely useful for understanding the thermal degradation mechanisms of polymers, for example. It is widely used in industry to improve product quality and stability, as well as for research into new materials, particularly in the plastics industry. By utilizing TGA analysis, companies can ensure their materials meet required standards and perform reliably under thermal stress. The FILAB laboratory can offer you its expertise in TG analysis of your materials to obtain the results you need.
Our TGA, TGA-FTIR and TGA-MS laboratory analysis solutions, state-of-the-art equipment for characterizing your materials
The FILAB laboratory boasts a full range of analytical equipment. This enables us to support manufacturers in the TGA and TGA-FTIR analysis of their materials (polymers, composites, etc.). Our TGA laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to provide accurate and reliable data.
The FILAB laboratory offers tailor-made analyses to meet the specific needs of its customers. Our experts are at your disposal throughout the analysis cycle, to provide you with the best possible support, right up to the delivery of results. Our experts can also suggest sustainable corrective alternatives. We understand the importance of precise TGA analysis in ensuring material performance and compliance.
FILAB can also train your teams in TGA analysis techniques, helping you build in-house expertise and deepen your understanding of thermal behavior in materials. Through tailored sessions in our TGA laboratory, your staff can gain practical skills in thermogravimetric methods and result interpretation.
Our technical resources: TGA and analytical coupling
Analytical coupling involves combining ATG with one or more other analysis techniques to obtain additional information about the sample under study. The principle is based on the simultaneous use of different methods to analyse the same samples under the same conditions, allowing a more in-depth analysis of the properties and reactions of the sample when subjected to temperature variations. This approach enhances the capabilities of a TGA laboratory by providing comprehensive insights into material behavior.
ATG analysis can be coupled (ATG-MS and ATG-FTIR) with other analytical methods:
Mass Spectrometry (MS): This allows the analysis of gases emitted during the thermal decomposition of the sample. This TGA-MS coupling can identify the composition of the gaseous products released. Such detailed analysis is crucial for understanding complex decomposition processes in materials.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which enables analysis of the gases and vapours emitted. ATG-FTIR coupling provides information on the chemical structure of the products released.
This technique is particularly valuable in identifying specific compounds evolved during thermal analysis.
Technical characteristics of TGA analysis
ATG analysis is highly sensitive and accurate in detecting changes in mass. This makes it possible to identify mass losses due to processes such as dehydration, decomposition, oxidation or other chemical or physical reactions.
In addition, the ATG offers precise temperature control, enabling experiments to be carried out under a wide range of thermal conditions. Analyses can also be carried out under different atmospheres (inert, oxidising, reducing, etc.), which is essential for studying the specific behaviour of materials in your reference environments.
The FILAB laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to carry out accurate and reliable thermogravimetric analysis on a wide range of materials, including polymers, plastics, paints and composites.
This versatility allows us to cater to various industries requiring precise TGA analysis.
Thermogravimetric analysis of materials
Our TGA laboratory carries out thermogravimetric analysis on a wide variety of materials, adapting the testing parameters to your industry requirements and providing reliable, reproducible results. Whether you need to assess thermal stability, filler content, or decomposition profiles, FILAB delivers advanced TGA analysis tailored to your needs.
Thermogravimetric analysis of polymers enables us to characterise their thermal behaviour, in particular their stability, decomposition temperature and residue rate. This type of analysis makes it possible to understand the performance of polymers under extreme conditions and to optimise their formulation for industrial applications. FILAB offers thermogravimetric analysis services for different types of polymers, helping manufacturers to guarantee the quality and durability of their materials. Through TGA analysis, we determine the organic and inorganic content of polymers, quantify additives or fillers, and assess how they degrade under controlled atmospheres. Our TGA laboratory supports clients in sectors such as automotive, packaging, and electronics, ensuring compliance and product performance.
Thermogravimetric paint analysis is used to assess the composition and thermal stability of coatings. This analysis can be used to determine resin, pigment and solvent content, as well as to verify the quality and durability of paints under the effect of heat. FILAB offers thermogravimetric analysis services tailored to the needs of the paint and coatings industries, helping to optimise formulations and ensure the performance of finished products. By performing TGA analysis in our laboratory, we can simulate how coatings behave under different heating conditions, detect volatile emissions, and assess residue content after thermal degradation. Our TGA laboratory helps manufacturers meet industry specifications for high-temperature resistance and VOC compliance.
Thermogravimetric analysis of plastics is used to characterise their thermal and decomposition properties. This analysis can identify the composition of plastics, assess their thermal stability, and determine their rate of decomposition. At FILAB, we offer ATG thermogravimetric analysis, including engineering plastics and consumer plastics, providing valuable information for improving production processes and developing new materials.
Our TGA analysis capabilities allow us to quantify filler and additive content, evaluate multi-stage degradation behavior, and support failure investigations. Through precise thermogravimetric testing in our TGA laboratory, we help clients ensure the reliability and durability of their plastic components across various industries.
Thermogravimetric analysis of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is an essential technique for assessing the thermal stability of this plastic, which is widely used in the packaging and textile fibre industries. This analysis makes it possible to determine the degradation temperature, the additive content and the behaviour of PET under the effect of heat. The FILAB laboratory offers specialised services for the thermogravimetric analysis of PET, helping companies to guarantee the quality and conformity of their products. By conducting advanced TGA analysis on PET materials, we can identify moisture levels, residual solvents, and thermal decomposition stages with high accuracy. Our TGA laboratory supports clients in qualifying recycled PET (rPET), validating process stability, and ensuring regulatory compliance in food-grade applications.
Other laboratory thermal analysis
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an analytical technique used to measure physical or chemical changes in the weight of a sample as its temperature varies over time. It measures the mass of a sample while it is heated, cooled or held at constant temperatures. This information can be used to determine how various factors, such as heat, humidity and exposure to certain chemicals, affect the composition and stability of the material. It is commonly used in materials research and quality control applications. Thermogravimetric analysis can also be used to identify unknown substances by recording their rate of mass change with temperature. By plotting this data, researchers can obtain valuable information about the composition of the sample and its stability. It is an important tool for many industries, including aerospace, medical device manufacturing and the chemical industry. It can be used to assess the effects of long-term storage or use of certain materials, enabling engineers to create better products and optimise processes.
ATG analysis can provide useful information about the composition, structure and stability of a material. It can also be used to determine how different environmental factors affect the properties of the sample. This data can be invaluable when creating materials for aerospace or medical device manufacturing. By understanding the physical or chemical changes that occur over time, engineers are better equipped to design more durable and reliable products.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a valuable tool that can be used to characterise materials, identify unknown substances and monitor the stability of samples. It can also be used to measure reaction kinetics, moisture content and other properties.
TGA-FTIR is an analysis technique widely applied in the laboratory, combining thermogravimetry and infrared spectrometry. The technique is used to study the chemical composition and thermal properties of different materials.
Ultimately, the TGA-FTIR analysis combines two key measurements. The thermogravimetric analyzer performs quantitative measurements, while the infrared spectrometer enables substances to be identified. In this way, TGA FTIR analysis provides precise, detailed results on the composition of gases emitted during the various stages of the process and during thermal modification. Two measurements are carried out: weight analysis and gas identification.
Coupling thermogravimetric analysis methods with FTIR analysis offers many advantages. All the gases from the ATG then pass through the FTIR, where the molecules are identified according to their absorption of infrared light wavelengths.
This analysis method is capable of providing information on the thermal modifications of organic and inorganic molecules, as well as their identification. Industries that can benefit from a TGA-FTIR analysis include chemicals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, petrochemicals and many others.
This technique is useful in many industrial applications, such as the characterization of polymers, composite materials and pharmaceuticals.
In short,TGA- FTIR is an advanced analytical method for ensuring product quality and safety, as well as improving the performance of industrial processes.
Thermogravimetric analysis is a common method of materials analysis. It is particularly popular in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Common applications of thermogravimetric analysis include assessing the thermal stability of polymers, characterising the combustion processes of organic materials and determining the decomposition mechanisms of biodegradation compounds.
The results of these analyses are invaluable for understanding the properties of materials and their optimum use in industrial applications.
Examples of materials that can be subjected to thermogravimetric analysis abound in a variety of sectors, such as the pharmaceutical, plastics production and food industries.
Polymers, adhesives, composites and ceramic materials are often treated using this technique to study their resistance to heat. The results of these analyses can help industries understand the properties and thermal stability of materials, enabling them to create more reliable and efficient products.
Coupling Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) with other analytical techniques offers multiple advantages.
- Comprehensive analysis: Coupling provides an overview of the physical and chemical changes that occur in the sample.
- Gas identification: Coupled techniques can identify the gases released during thermal decomposition.
- Understanding reactions: It helps to understand the degradation mechanisms and chemical reactions occurring at different temperatures.
In this way, coupled TGA significantly enriches thermogravimetric analysis by adding detailed chemical dimensions to the mass change data.
While both are thermal analysis techniques, TGA measures changes in a sample's mass as it is heated or cooled, providing insights into decomposition and thermal stability. In contrast, DSC measures heat flow associated with thermal transitions in a material, such as melting or crystallization.
While both are thermal analysis techniques, TGA analysis measures changes in a sample's mass as it is heated or cooled, providing insights into decomposition and thermal stability. In contrast, DSC measures heat flow associated with thermal transitions in a material, such as melting or crystallization.
The heating rate can influence the resolution and sensitivity of TGA measurements. Slower heating rates provide better resolution of thermal events, while faster rates can help in detecting less stable components.
Yes, TGA can be conducted under various atmospheres, such as inert (e.g., nitrogen, argon) or oxidative (e.g., air, oxygen), to simulate different environmental conditions and study their effects on the sample.
Generally, TGA requires small sample sizes, often in the range of 5 to 20 milligrams, depending on the material and the precision needed for the analysis.
