Volatilisation, Evaporation and Vapour Pressure Studies Using a Thermobalance

There is considerable interest in performing volatilisation and evaporation measurements by thermogravimetry. A quick and simple method for determining vapour pressure using a conventional thermobalance and standard sample holders has been developed. These yield meaningful thermodynamic parameters such as the enthalpies of sublimation and vaporisation. Under favourable conditions the melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion of such compounds can be obtained. This technique has been used for the study of dyes, UV absorbers and plasticisers. The use of modulated- temperature programs for such work is also described.