Thermal Analysis – TGA and DSC
S&N Labs provides two types of thermal analysis – TGA and DSC. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) examines the temperature difference between a sample in a small pan and an empty pan when both are heated together. As materials change states the temperature difference will change. For example, when a material melts (goes from solid to liquid) the temperature difference changes rapidly. Melting points and other changes (glass transitions and decomposition points) can also be determined. The difference between low-density and high-density polyethylene (as well as blends) can be readily distinguished using this technique.
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) places a small sample into a balance that is enclosed in an oven. We monitor the weight as the sample is heated and can determine both the temperatures at which the materials lose weight and the exact weight losses. For many kinds of complex materials like rubber, this allows for composition determination in a single analysis.
