Thermogravimetry / Thermogravimetric

analysis (TGA)
What is thermogravimetric analysis?
Thermogravimetry or thermogravimetric analysis is an analytical method that records the mass change
by temperature of a sample that is facing a controlled temperature profile. The sample can undergo
heating, cooling or isothermal steps. The resulting measurement signal usually gives the absolute mass
change in [mg] and relative mass change in [%].
The setup of thermogravimetry:
For classic thermogravimetry, a sample is usually put into a crucible out of inert material (e.g.
platinum, alumina, gold…) and placed on a sensor within a furnace that can apply controlled
atmospheres and temperatures (scheme 1).
Sensor Setup in a typical thermogravimetric analyzer
The sensor is connected to a high-resolution microbalance that records the mass change during the
experiment. In most thermogravimetric analyzers, compensation balances are used for this purpose
(scheme 2).
Scheme of a compensation microbalance with counterweight
A compensation balance is a special version of a balance where an electric magnet compensates the
applied mass by an electromagnet. In detail, the magnet compensates the force of weight as mass is
defined by the formula:

As the gravity is usually known due to calibration or if a counterweight is used like in a bar setup, the
force of weight can give the mass directly. Besides thermogravimetric analyzers, also lab balances
often work according to the same principle.
While the sample is seeing a heat change, the balance is usually kept in a static temperature
environment like a separate chamber or at a certain distance from the sensor.
The exact temperature of the sample is monitored by thermocouples that use the Seebeck-effect for
precise temperature determination. Scheme 3 shows a typical thermogravimetric measurement (relative
weight change vs. temperature).
Typical thermogravimetric result curve

What is thermogravimetry used for?

Thermogravimetry is used in many industries as well as research. Ceramic industries, chemistry,
polymer and building industries as well as energy storage, battery research and oil industry uses thermo
gravimetric analyzers. Typical applications are the general investigation of thermal decomposition, ash
or organic content determination, gravimetric sorption studies, thermal stability and oxidation studies,
material analysis and many more. There are also special fields like nuclear research or high-pressure
process studies that are using this technique.
Thermogravimetry is a key part of thermal analysis in general, following the international standards
ASTM D 3850, E 914, E 1131, E 1868, DIN 51006 and ISO 7111, ISO 11358.