What Does
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Mean?
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an evaluation technique that measures different substance masses as their temperature is changed or at a constant temperature over a given time. It is used to analyze decomposition and evaporation rates, oxidation, material purity and many other properties.
Corrosionpedia Explains Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Thermogravimetric analysis is mostly done in an environment purged with a single gas or in a vacuum. A nitrogen-purged environment is one of the most common.
Many different materials can be tested using thermogravimetric analysis. These materials include but are not limited to metals, polymers, ceramics and glass.
The temperatures used during thermogravimetric analysis can reach well over 1,000°C (1,832°F). There are several different types of furnaces used for thermogravimetric analysis. The furnaces are programmable so that the temperature can be precisely changed at the desired rate. Inside the furnace is a pan where the sample is placed when it is ready for analysis. During analysis, the data is collected and plotted as mass versus temperature.
Thermogravimetric analysis is often used to observe corrosion reactions in high temperature situations.