ASTM E1131, ISO 11358 Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) testing is done by ASTM E1131, ISO 11358 to calculate highly volatile matter, medium volatile matter, combustible material, and ash content of plastics and polymeric compounds. This test determines the weight loss percentage of a sample over a given temperature range, which is an indicator of the sample's composition.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
Thermogravimetric analysis uses heat to force reactions and physical changes in materials. Mass changes in materials due to transitions and thermal degradation can be quantitatively measured using TGA. TGA tracks changes in mass over time and with temperature during a sample’s oxidation, dehydration, and breakdown. The distinct sequence of physicochemical processes occurring within specific temperature ranges and heating rates is reflected in characteristic thermogravimetric curves for particular materials and chemical compounds. These distinctive features are connected to the sample’s molecular structure.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is performed in accordance with ASTM E1131 and ISO 11358 to determine the contents of highly volatile matter, medium volatile matter, combustible material, and ash in plastics and polymeric compounds. This test determines the percentage weight loss of a sample over a specified temperature range, an indicator of its composition.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) is an essential tool for ensuring regulatory compliance. The major types of thermogravimetric analysis are isothermal (static), quasistatic, and dynamic thermogravimetry. Most industries have high safety and efficacy standards that are validated only through rigorous testing methodologies such as the TGA. The application scope of thermogravimetric analysis mass spectrometry is quite large, ranging from making primary data available to implications in formulations and raw material selection to developing and fine-tuning materials. This represents pertinent data for validating theoretical models and warranting material performance with varying stress conditions.
Applications
- Polymers and plastics (thermal degradation, filler content)
- Composites and rubber materials
- Chemicals and petrochemicals
- Metals, ceramics, and inorganic materials
- Research, quality assurance, and failure analysis
Benefits
- Determines thermal stability and decomposition behavior of materials.
- Measures weight changes due to heating, oxidation, or volatilization.
- Identifies composition (fillers, polymers, additives, moisture content.
- Supports quality control and material consistency verification.
- Helps in material selection and product development.
Testing Process
Gas flow setup
Set inert gas (usually nitrogen, N₂) and/or oxidative gas (oxygen or air, O₂) flow rates as required
1Gas environment selection
nert (N₂) for thermal decomposition, oxidative (air/O₂) for oxidative decomposition, or combined thermal-oxidative
2Specimen placement
Place the test material in the specimen holder and raise the furnace
3Data output
Plot of percent weight loss versus temperature
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Test method | Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) |
| Sample mass | 10–15 mg |
| Test atmosphere | Inert (N₂) or oxidative (air/O₂) |
| Temperature range | Ambient to ~1000 °C |
| Data output | % weight loss vs. temperature |
| Key results | Thermal stability, decomposition behavior, and residual mass |
Instrumentation Used
- Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA)
- High-precision microbalance
- Programmable temperature control system
- Furnace with controlled heating rates
- Gas supply and flow control system (inert/reactive gases)
- Data acquisition and analysis software
Results and Deliverables
- Ensures materials meet stringent quality, safety, and performance requirements
- Encourages innovation and sustainability in manufacturing processes
- Provides highly reliable and standardized analysis through ASTM E1131 and ISO 11358
- Enables prediction of material performance, especially for aerospace and automotive applications
- Serves as a critical quality control tool across multiple industries
- Goes beyond thermal resistance testing to assess overall material integrity and performance
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Read Case StudyFrequently Asked Questions
Thermogravimetry thermal analysis (TGA) testing - ASTM E1131, ISO 11358. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis provides determination of endotherms, exotherms, weight loss on heating, cooling, and more.
TGA determines temperature and weight change in decomposition reactions, facilitating quantitative composition analysis, and it may be used to determine water content or detect residual solvents in a material.
TGA analysis continuously weighs a sample to the nearest millionth of a gram as it is heated to temperatures of up to 1000°C
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measures the amount and rate of change in a sample's mass as a function of temperature and time in a controlled atmosphere.
The TGA is responsible for regulating the supply, import, export, manufacturing and advertising of therapeutic goods.
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