Thermal Gravimetric Analysis
Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) is a technique used to measure the change in weight of a material as it is heated or cooled. This method helps identify thermal stability, composition, and decomposition temperatures of various substances, including polymers, metals, and ceramics. By monitoring weight changes, researchers can gain insights into material properties and behaviors under different temperature conditions.
During a TGA experiment, a sample is placed in a balance inside a furnace. As the temperature changes, the balance records weight loss or gain, which can indicate processes like evaporation, oxidation, or decomposition. This data is crucial for applications in materials science, quality control, and product development.