ABSTRACT
Thermal analysis is done with a view to characterize the samples. The main thermal analysis techniques used are TGA, DTA and DSC. TGA is the weight change as a function of time whereas DTA refers to the temperature change as a function of temperature. DSC measures the enthalpy change as a function of temperature. TGA and DTA of bentonite characterizes the sample. Scanning electron microscopy studies the surface morphology of a material or adsorbent. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy is used for a view of the atomic structure and electron states. EDS or EDX technique is used for elemental analysis and their relative proportion. X-ray diffraction is used to know the diffraction pattern of a crystal and measurement of intensity gives a clue to test crystal structure. The bands in FTIR show the stretching frequency of the bonds.
