Nitrogen for thermogravimeters

What is thermogravimetry?

Thermogravimetry, also known as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), is an analytical method in which the change in mass of a sample is measured as a function of temperature and time. During the analysis, a small amount of the sample is heated to up to 1,500 °C in a temperature-stable and inert crucible made of platinum or aluminum oxide in a furnace. The sample holder is connected to a microbalance that continuously determines the change in mass of the sample during heating.

The change in weight and temperature allows conclusions to be drawn about the composition of the sample and indications of reactions of the material under the influence of temperature.

How does the process work?

During the analysis, the sample chamber is flushed with various gases. Pure nitrogen is usually used to prevent oxidation and thus falsification of the results. A nitrogen generator is used here as a source of N2, which supplies the thermogravimeter with nitrogen via a supply line.

Examples of samples:

Plastics, food, wood, coal, cement, ceramics, floors