Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) is laboratory equipment used to measure the weight changes in a sample as a function of temperature or time. It is widely used in materials science, chemistry, and other related fields to analyze the thermal behavior of a sample.
A TGA works by subjecting a sample to a controlled temperature program while continuously monitoring its weight. The weight change of the sample is then used to calculate the thermal properties of the material being analyzed. The TGA can be used to determine various parameters such as the decomposition temperature of a compound, the moisture content of a material, and the thermal stability of a polymer.
The TGA consists of a sample pan that is mounted on a balance beam, which measures the weight of the sample. The pan is then placed inside a furnace that is programmed to heat the sample at a specific rate. A temperature sensor is also placed inside the furnace to monitor the temperature. As the sample is heated, any weight loss or gain is detected by the balance beam and recorded by the TGA software.
TGA is a valuable tool for researchers to study the thermal properties of a wide range of materials, including polymers, ceramics, metals, and organic compounds. The information obtained from TGA experiments can be used to optimize materials for specific applications, as well as to improve manufacturing processes.