There are several different ways to test plastics using thermal analysis. One of the best options for many types of materials and testing results is the use of TGA or thermogravimetric analysis.
TGA testing can be used to determine the changes that occur when the material is heated in different environments. This can include either a standard environment that contains air, as well as an environment that uses N2 to eliminate air. In addition, various temperature ranges can be used to chart where these changes occur.
Additionally, this is the test most often selected to identify inorganic materials in a resin. These are most often the reinforcing fillers, but it may also include contaminants as well.
What It Tests
With the choice of TGA testing, what is being measured is the velocity and the change of the mass in the particular sample when exposed to temperature or time. The environment, as mentioned above, will always be controlled and either set as an oxidative or non-oxidative environment.
Due to loss or gain of mass in the test, it is possible to determine decomposition, thermal stability, materials in composites, loss of volatiles or oxidation depending on the sample. With this information, manufacturers and engineers can effectively choose the correct resin for a particular application.
For very specific applications, the accuracy and sensitivity of the TGA testing make it an ideal option for comparing two very similar resins to determine even slight differences that may impact overall performance in an application of the life cycle of the part or component.
While thermogravimetric analysis may be used as a standalone test, it is often used in conjunction with other procedures with both known and unknown samples. Highly effective and providing easy to read chart results, this is a testing method that has applications for a wide range of testing needs.