THERMOGRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS (TGA)

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) is a technique in which the mass of a sample is monitored (balance) as a function of temperature (thermal) or time under a controlled temperature program in a controlled atmosphere.

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. The mass of the sample is monitored during the experiment. 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.

TGA is a common analysis method in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. It is performed on polymers, food, pharmaceuticals as well as many other materials.