Microbalance thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a thermal analysis technique that measures the mass of a sample as a function of temperature or time. TGA is used to study a variety of materials, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. By analyzing the changes in mass, TGA can be used to determine the moisture content of a material, its thermal stability, and its composition.
To perform moisture analysis using TGA, a small sample of the material is placed in a crucible. The crucible is then placed in a furnace, and the temperature is increased at a controlled rate. As the temperature increases, the moisture in the sample evaporates and is carried away by a stream of nitrogen gas. The mass of the sample is continuously monitored, and the moisture content is calculated by measuring the change in mass.
Moisture analysis using TGA is a relatively simple and inexpensive technique. However, it is important to note that the accuracy of the results can be affected by a number of factors, including the sample size, the temperature ramp rate, and the type of atmosphere used.