Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a thermal analysis technique which measures the weight change in a material as a function of temperature and time, in a controlled environment. This can be very useful to investigate the thermal stability of a material, or to investigate its behavior in different atmospheres (e.g. inert or oxidizing). It is suitable for use with all types of solid materials, including organic or inorganic materials.

Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a calorimetric technique, recording the temperature and heat flow associated with thermal transitions in a material. This enables phase transitions to be determined (e.g. melting point, glass transition temperature, crystallization etc.).

Ideal Uses for TGA/DTA		Relevant Industries for TGA/DTA
Thermal stability/degradation investigation of organic or inorganic materials, e.g.  polymers, composites, glasses, metals, minerals etc. Thermal stability/degradation investigations in inert or oxidative atmospheres, or in vacuum Determination of organic/inorganic content of mixtures Curing kinetics (e.g, adhesives, polymers) Chemical composition measurements (using appropriate reference standards, accurate quantification of sample composition can be determined Phase transition measurement (e.g. glass transition, clustering, crystallinity, melting point) Quantum - size effect investigation for nanomaterials Reaction kinetics with reactive gases (e.g., oxidation, hydrogenation, chlorination, adsorption/desorption) Pyrolysis kinetics (e.g., carbonization, sintering)		Semiconductor Energy Polymers/biomass Pharmaceutical Biomedical Metallurgy Ceramics Chemicals Construction materials Optical Solar Batteries
Strengths of TGA/DTA		Limitations of TGA/DTA
Any type of solid can be analyzed, with minimal sample preparation (e.g. powders, pellets, chunks, flakes etc) Minimum sample size ( at least 0.1mg) Qualitative or quantitative analysis		Solid (or initially solid) samples only Data interpretation not always straightforward. Analysis in combination with other techniques is often helpful.