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Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)

Discuss a TGA Investigation

Thermal Materials Analysis

Independent TGA Analysis with Engineering Interpretation

SPACEREL provides thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate thermal stability, mass-loss behaviour and differences between engineering materials.

TGA measures changes in sample mass during a controlled temperature or time programme. The resulting profile provides evidence of volatile release, decomposition and the mass remaining under the selected test conditions.

We interpret these findings against your material, manufacturing or failure question to support material selection, process investigation and engineering decisions.

What Can TGA Reveal?

TGA helps establish how a material’s mass changes during thermal exposure.

Thermal Stability
Compare the temperature ranges over which significant mass changes occur under defined conditions.

Mass-Loss Stages
Quantify individual stages and distinguish a dominant event from smaller changes.

Moisture and Volatile Release
Assess early mass loss that may be associated with moisture, residual solvents or other volatile constituents.

Material Consistency
Compare batches, formulations or supplier materials for differences in thermal behaviour.

Residual Mass
Measure the mass remaining at a defined endpoint to support material comparison and residue assessment.

Comparative Thermal Behaviour

Comparing TGA profiles can reveal differences in mass-loss progression and the amount of material remaining at selected temperatures.

In this example, the curves show different thermal responses across the sample set. Comparing samples under equivalent measurement conditions helps investigate formulation differences, material consistency or changes following processing and exposure.

Overlaid TGA curves comparing sample mass remaining against temperature, with inset views of selected temperature regions
Comparison of TGA profiles showing differences in mass-loss behaviour and retained mass across multiple samples.

Resolving Mass-Loss Stages with TGA and DTG

The TGA curve shows the mass remaining, while derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) highlights the rate of mass change. Reviewing both curves helps locate major mass-loss events and distinguish smaller stages.

This example includes a marked DTG peak near 400°C, indicating the temperature of the greatest mass-loss rate during the applied heating programme.

TGA and DTG curves showing staged mass loss and a marked derivative peak near 400 degrees Celsius
TGA and DTG profiles showing staged mass loss, with the dominant mass-loss rate marked near 400°C.

Quantifying Mass Loss and Residual Mass

Mass changes can be evaluated over selected temperature intervals and reported as a percentage of the initial sample mass and as an absolute mass change.

This provides a consistent basis for comparing individual stages and the mass remaining at the measurement endpoint. The inset highlights smaller changes within the lower-temperature region.

Annotated TGA curve showing quantified mass-loss stages and an inset of the lower-temperature region
TGA profile with quantified mass-loss stages and an expanded view of lower-temperature behaviour.

TGA for Electronics and Materials Investigation

TGA supports investigations where the behaviour of an organic material, formulation or residue may affect product performance.

Adhesives and Bonding Materials
Compare thermal behaviour between adhesive formulations, reference materials and samples recovered during an investigation.

Encapsulants and Potting Compounds
Investigate mass-loss profiles and residual mass to support comparison of polymer-based protection materials.

Failed and Reference Samples
Determine whether a material associated with failure exhibits a different thermal response from an unaffected reference.

Manufacturing and Supplier Changes
Assess whether changes in material supply, formulation or processing are accompanied by differences in thermal behaviour.

Our Approach to TGA Investigation

  1. 01

    Define the Question

    Review the material, observed problem and available reference samples to establish what the analysis needs to resolve.

  2. 02

    Select the Measurement Conditions

    Define suitable sample preparation, temperature range, heating programme and atmosphere.

  3. 03

    Analyse and Compare

    Evaluate mass-loss stages, relevant characteristic temperatures and residual mass. Compare reference samples and review DTG profiles where appropriate.

  4. 04

    Interpret and Report

    Relate the findings to the engineering question and provide clear conclusions and recommended next steps.

Evidence for Engineering Decisions

Depending on the investigation scope, your report can include:

  • TGA curves and relevant DTG profiles
  • Recorded sample details and measurement conditions
  • Quantified mass changes over defined temperature intervals
  • Relevant onset criteria and DTG peak temperatures
  • Residual mass at the specified endpoint
  • Comparisons between materials or sample conditions
  • Engineering interpretation and recommended next steps

Technical References

Further Reading

General Treatment of the Thermogravimetry of Polymers

Flynn, J. H. and Wall, L. A. (1966).
Foundational research on polymer decomposition, thermal stability and the influence of heating rate on TGA results

ICTAC Kinetics Committee recommendations for collecting experimental thermal analysis data for kinetic computations

Vyazovkin, S. et al. (2014), Thermochimica Acta, 590, 1–23.
Guidance on selecting samples and measurement conditions for reliable thermal analysis, including TGA studies of polymer degradation.

Discuss the engineering challenge

A clear requirement is the first step.

Discuss a TGA Investigation