ABSTRACT
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measures the mass of a sample as a function of temperature or time under a defined atmosphere. The sample can be subjected to a temperature program which is in a dynamic scanning mode or isothermal mode or combination of both of these as shown in Figure 2.1. In dynamic scanning mode, the sample is heated under a constant heating rate from a lower temperature to a higher temperature, while under isothermal mode, the sample is heated at a constant temperature for a fixed time defined by the user. The measurement is performed in a defined atmosphere under inert conditions (usually in the presence of nitrogen or argon) or oxidizing conditions (e.g. air or oxygen). The mass is continuously measured with a very sensitive electronic balance. The instrument used to perform such measurements is called a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA).
