Thermal Properties Testing by TGA and DSC

We use thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyze the thermal characteristics of solid and liquid materials (TGA). By heating and cooling the materials under various circumstances, it is possible to establish the thermal blueprint in plastics, rubber, lubricants, and chemical feedstocks. Specific heat capacity, melting point, crystallization temperature, glass transition temperature, the heat of evaporation, the warmth of reaction, oxidation induction time, and typical mass loss over temperature ranges are examples of thermal properties.

The amount of heat required to cause a phase transition in a sample relative to a reference (such as from liquid to gas or solid to liquid) is measured using differential scanning calorimetry. Calculating the quantity of heat absorbed or emitted during phase transitions is feasible by monitoring the difference in heat flow between the sample and the reference. DSC can also be used to spot and quantify more minute physical alterations. In quality control, this kind of examination is frequently used to assess sample purity, gauge oxidation resistance, and examine polymer curing.

As a function of rising temperature (with a constant heating rate) or as a function of time (with a constant temperature and constant mass loss), thermogravimetric analysis detects changes in the physical and chemical properties of materials. TGA is frequently used to identify the proportion of organic or inorganic materials in a sample and describe materials based on their patterns of decomposition. To detect the composition of LDPE, MDPE, and HDPE in polyethylene samples, for instance, we can utilize TGA in CRTA mode. TGA is useful for researching polymeric substances such as elastomers, thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, plastic films, fibers, coatings, and paints.

One of the most significant thermal parameters we assess is specific heat capacity. The quantity of thermal energy needed to raise the temperature of a unit mass of a material by one degree Celsius is known as the specific heat capacity. When a substance has a high specific heat capacity, it takes longer to heat up, retains heat better, and can even operate as a heat insulator. On the other hand, a substance with a low specific heat capacity can operate as a temperature conductor and heats up very quickly. For any application where materials will be subjected to high temperatures, measuring a material’s specific heat capacity is crucial.

The following approaches are available for testing thermal characteristics. Click on the test name below to read more about it, or contact us to learn more about our testing capabilities.

• ASTM D3386: Linear Thermal Expansion Coefficient 
• ASTM D3418: Polymer Transition Temperatures by DSC 
• ASTM D3850: Rapid Thermal Degradation by TGA 
• ASTM D3895: Oxidative-Induction Time by DSC 
• ASTM D4591: Fluoropolymer Transitions by DSC 
• ASTM D5028: Curing Properties by Thermal Analysis 
• ASTM D6370: Rubber Compositional Analysis by TGA 
• ASTM D6375: Lubricating Oil

Video 01: TGA Tutorial