Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) Testing for Thermal Decomposition Products
Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) is a technique for structural analysis of gasses and vapors evolved when a sample is subjected to controlled heating. EGA instrumentation employs on-line coupling with FTIR, MS, GC-MS and TGA or DSC systems enabling simultaneous compositional, mass balance and calorimetric analysis. This technique finds use in analysis of a large variety of materials. The vast laboratory network of Infinita Lab, USA, offers this test to clients in the USA and across the world.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) is a thermal analytical technique that identifies and quantifies gases released from a material as it is heated. By coupling a thermal analysis instrument (TGA or DSC) with a gas detector (FTIR, MS, or GC-MS), EGA provides simultaneous information on thermal decomposition temperature, decomposition mechanism, and the chemical identity of evolved gases.
EGA is essential for understanding material stability, decomposition chemistry, off-gassing behaviour, and residual solvent content in polymers, catalysts, and composite materials.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) is used to identify and quantify the gases released from a material as it undergoes controlled heating or thermal decomposition. It helps correlate thermal events with the chemical species evolved, providing deeper insight into material composition, stability, and degradation behaviour.
Key evaluations include:
- Identification of gas species released during heating or decomposition
- Measurement of gas concentrations at different temperature stages
- Determination of onset and peak decomposition temperatures
- Correlation of mass loss events with the chemical identity of evolved gases
- Detection of residual solvents, moisture, and plasticisers
- Analysis of decomposition pathways and underlying reaction mechanisms
Applications
- Polymer decomposition and additive volatilisation analysis
- Pharmaceutical stability and residual solvent identification
- Catalyst characterisation and activity studies
- Environmental sample off-gassing assessment
- Food and material quality control
Benefits
- Simultaneous thermal and chemical characterisation
- Identifies hidden decomposition products and hazardous off-gases
- Supports formulation optimisation and stability studies
- Aids regulatory submissions (ICH Q3C)
- Provides a mechanistic understanding of thermal events
Test Process
Sample Preparation
A 5–20 mg sample is loaded and purged under a controlled atmosphere.
1Thermal Ramp
The sample is heated at a defined rate while mass loss is continuously monitored.
2Gas Detection
Evolved gases are transferred for real-time FTIR/MS identification.
3Data Integration
Mass loss data is correlated with spectra to identify thermal events and generate the report.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Coupled Techniques | TGA-FTIR, TGA-MS, TGA-GC/MS |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 1500 °C |
| Heating Rate | 1–50 °C/min |
| Sample Mass | 1–100 mg |
| Atmosphere | N₂, air, O₂, Ar, or mixed gases |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Thermogravimetric analyser (TGA)
- Coupled FTIR spectrometer with heated transfer line
- Coupled mass spectrometer (quadrupole or time-of-flight)
- Optional GC-MS for complex mixture resolution
- Data integration and spectral library software
Results and Deliverables
- TGA mass loss curve with derivative (DTG)
- FTIR spectra time-slice library at key thermal events
- Mass spectrum fragmentation patterns and gas identification
- Decomposition onset and peak temperatures
- Evolved gas species identification and relative quantification
- Comprehensive EGA report correlating thermal and chemical data
Partnering with Infinita Lab for Optimal Results
Infinita Lab addresses the most frustrating pain points in the EGA testing process: complexity, coordination, and confidentiality. Our platform is built for secure, simplified support, allowing engineering and R&D teams to focus on what matters most: innovation. From kickoff to final report, we orchestrate every detail—fast, seamlessly, and behind the scenes.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote
Frequently Asked Questions
TGA alone tells you when a material loses mass but not what is being lost. EGA is used when the chemical identity of evolved gases — moisture, CO₂, HCl, solvents, plasticizers — is critical for understanding decomposition mechanism or assessing health and safety.
TGA-FTIR provides functional group identification and is excellent for organic gas characterization (CO₂, H₂O, HCl, organic vapors). TGA-MS offers higher sensitivity and elemental/molecular mass detection, better for low-level inorganic gases and isotopic analysis.
Yes. EGA is highly effective for identifying and semi-quantifying residual solvents (Class 1, 2, and 3 per ICH Q3C) released during thermal analysis.
Tests can be conducted under nitrogen (inert, for decomposition studies), air or oxygen (oxidative degradation), argon, or programmed gas switching atmospheres (inert-to-oxidative) to mimic specific use environments.
Typical sample masses are 5–20 mg for TGA-FTIR or TGA-MS analysis. Homogeneous, representative samples are required. For complex formulations, multiple sample preps are recommended to ensure reproducibility.
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