ASTM E1131 Compositional Analysis Testing by Thermogravimetry (TGA)
ASTM E1131 describes how Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) is used to determine endotherms, exotherms, weight loss on heating and cooling, and other properties of materials. Polymers, plastics, composites, laminates, adhesives, food, coatings, pharmaceuticals, organic materials, rubber, petroleum, chemicals, explosives, and biological samples are among the materials that TGA analyzes. TGA also analyzes a wide range of other materials, including metals, ceramics, and glass.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM E1131 is a standard test method for compositional analysis by Thermogravimetry(TGA). This technique measures the change in material weight to determine components such as volatile matter, ash content, and combustible matter, and is useful for quality control and material screening in plastics and polymers.
The main objective of TGA is to compare material properties, such as mass gain and mass loss, as a function of temperature. To quantify different properties of materials like medium volatile matter, highly volatile materials, combustible matter, and ash.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
The scope of the ASTM E1131 test procedure is to be used on both solids and liquids. Typically, the test temperature range is from ambient to 1000 °C. It is possible to identify the composition of individual components in the range of 1 to 100 weight percent. Determining the composition of materials by measuring mass changes as a function of temperature or time. Quantifying volatile components, fillers, reinforcing agents, and inorganic residue (ash content).
Applications
- Polymers and elastomers: It helps determine filler and additive content
- Composites: For measuring fiber, resin, and inorganic fractions
- Coatings and adhesives: In evaluating solids and volatile components
- Plastics manufacturing: For batch-to-batch quality assurance
- R&D and failure analysis: material characterization and comparison.
Benefits
- Provides accurate compositional analysis using thermogravimetric data.
- Quantifies volatile content, fillers, reinforcements, and ash residue.
- Enables material identification and formulation verification.
- Supports quality control and consistency in manufacturing
- Applicable to a wide range of organic and inorganic materials.
Testing Process
Sample Preparation
Prepare a clean, representative sample of specified mass.
1Instrument Setup
Calibrate the TGA and select the test atmosphere.
2Sample Loading
Place the sample in the TGA pan.
3Results Reporting
Calculate and report compositional data.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Materials | Polymers, composites, coatings, filled materials |
| Sample Mass | ~5–20 mg |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to ~1000 °C |
| Heating Rate | Controlled (typically 5–20 °C/min) |
| Calibration | Mass and temperature calibration |
Instrumentation Used
- Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
- High-sensitivity microbalance
- Programmable furnace with temperature control
- Gas supply and flow control system (inert/reactive gases)
- Sample pans or crucibles
Results and Deliverables
- Intended for quality control, material screening, and problem-solving applications
- Used when compositional analysis is required
- Suitable for comparison with known materials of the same type
- Test criteria are recommended guidelines, not fixed requirements
- Method parameters may be modified to suit specific analysis needs
- Any modifications must be clearly reported in the test results
Frequently Asked Questions
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