Practical thermogravimetry

The well-known divergence between the present 'state of the art' of thermogravimetry and industrial requirements is discussed. Sources of errors are analyzed and the optimization of measuring conditions is discussed regarding the problems associated with static and dynamic (flow) atmospheres, and interactions between materials and gases or vapors. Recommendations for gas-flow control systems and vapor sources are given. Thermal stability and the kinetics of gas-evolving, reversible, thermal decompositions of solids are discussed. The scope of TG-derived kinetics for practical use is examined. Some new characteristic points of TG curves are proposed and defined, e.g. 'procedure-independent decomposition temperature' and 'augmented decomposition temperature' (obtained at pseudo-equilibrium conditions).