TGA 5500

Tru-Mass™ Balance

At the core of every new Discovery TGA is the proprietary Tru-Mass™ Balance. The Tru-Mass Balance system is Thermally isolated for high sensitivity in every laboratory environment, delivers highest Resolution to separate the components of the most challenging TGA samples, and Ultra low drift (Tru-Mass). Unlike competitive designs, the Discovery TGA delivers optimum performance without requiring baseline subtractions and other post-test manipulation required by competitors to make the data better. The result is an innovative new TGA with unrivaled performance in weight drift and sensitivity.

Balance Features and Benefits:

• Ultra-low drift balance design ensures accurate detection of even the smallest weight changes.
• High capacity (1 g) Tru-Mass balance with auto-ranging capability to ensure the best sensitivity no matter the size of the sample.
• Free-hanging sample eliminates the heat sink prevalent in top-loading designs, for the most efficient heat transfer and gas flow around the sample.
• Thermally isolated balance with low drift and high sensitivity to deliver the most accurate real time data.

The new proprietary balance system delivers the purest real-time weight data possible.

IR Furnace

The TGA 5500 is the only system available offering patented infrared heating technology.

Features & Benefits

• Ambient to 1200 °C
• Linear controlled heating rates of 0.1 to 500 °C/min
• Ballistic heating rates >1500 °C/min for the highest efficiency available
• Fastest cooling for improved sample throughput
• Low volume, vacuum tight, and quartz lined with heated outlet option for best evolved gas results
• Quartz liner makes furnace easy to clean
• Integrated electromagnet for automated verification and calibration using Curie point standards

Atmosphere Control

Discovery TGA’s are designed with superior atmosphere control to meet the most demanding applications. Whether maintaining an inert atmosphere, switching to an oxidative purge, or maintaining a high vacuum the Discovery TGA is up to the task.

Atmosphere Control Features and Benefits:

• Innovative Gas-Delivery manifold design eliminates potential leak points from tubing and hardware connections ensuring the most consistent, repeatable atmosphere.
• Integrated software-controlled gas switching for experiments requiring dynamic or reactive atmospheres
• New Gas blending module allows additional inputs of 4 gases with controlled gas switching and blending capability for flexible and demanding applications
• Horizontal purge for best sample interactions
• Vacuum tight to ensure inert, oxygen free atmospheres
• Sealed pan option to maintain the atmosphere of the sample until the experiment starts

Reliable Automation

The NEW Discovery TGA features our new 25-position autosampler designed to be the most rugged and reliable system ever developed.

Autosampler Features and Benefits:

• Compatible with all pan types and sizes for ultimate flexibility.
• Sealed pan and pan punch option for effective isolation of air sensitive or volatile samples.
• Scheduled and unattended calibrations and verifications give scientists more time for research.
• Integrated electromagnet allows for unattended Curie point calibrations.
• New TRIOS software makes it easier than ever to manage and run a large and diverse sample queue. The Design view and Running queue allow for quick and efficient autosampler programming.

“APP” Style Touch Screen

Touch Screen Features and Benefits:

• Ergonomic design for easy viewing and operation
• Packed with functionality to simplify operation and enhance user experience. The apps-style touch screen includes:
• Start/stop runs
• Test and instrument status
• Real-time signals
• Real-time plot
• Active method viewing
• Advance method segments
• Autosampler calibration
• Loading/unloading and taring pans
• System information
• The app-style touch screen, powerful new TRIOS software, the robust and reliable autosampler with automated calibration and verification routines all work seamlessly to dramatically improve laboratory workflow and productivity.

ITS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO GET GREAT DATA!

Hi-Res™ TGA

In Hi-Res TGA, the heating rate is controlled by the decomposition rate of the sample. The Discovery TGA 5500 and 550 designs are ideal for these measurements with rapid response furnaces for precise temperature control, and sensitive thermobalances designed to quickly detect small weight changes.

Benefits of Hi-Res TGA include:

• Separation of broad and overlapping weight losses
• Increased productivity with better resolution
• Rapid survey over wide temperature range with excellent resolution
• Simple method set up

The figure above shows the Hi-Res TGA results for a polyurethane material by standard and Hi-Res TGA. The superior resolution provided by the Hi-Res technique is clearly evident in both the TGA weight loss and the first derivative (DTG) signals. The latter signal is especially useful in defining the onset and the end-set of the individual weight loss segments, as well as indicating subtle events that provide a “fingerprint” of the sample.

MTGA™

TA’s patented MTGA* is another TA Instruments innovation that offers advantages for material decomposition studies. Developed from the proprietary heater control technology utilized by Hi-Res TGA and MDSC, MTGA produces model-free kinetic data. Activation energy can be calculated real-time and studied as a function of time, temperature, and conversion.

Benefits of MTGA include:

• Increased productivity for studying kinetics
• Model-free kinetic data
• Can be combined with Hi-Res for better separation of overlapping weight losses
• Direct measurement of activation energy

DTA signal

The DTA signal is a qualitative measurement of endothermic and exothermic reactions occurring in the TGA. This signal can also be used for temperature calibration by using melting point standards.

Mass Spectrometer

The Pfeiffer MS is a benchtop quadrupole mass spectrometer, designed and optimized for evolved gas analysis. It features industry-standard technology configured for the efficient transfer and rapid detection of offgas from the TGA furnace. Parts per billion (ppb) sensitivity is ensured with the state-of-the-art quadrupole detection system, including a closed ion source, a single mass filter, and a dual (Faraday and Secondary Electron Multiplier) detector system. This analyzer configuration is selected to optimize sensitivity and long-term stability performance.

Control of the experimental parameters and analysis of the mass spectral data is achieved through a user-friendly, recipe-driven software interface. Data collection can be triggered directly from the TGA software, and the resulting MS data can be combined with the corresponding TGA results for direct overlaying and comparison.

See applications under the “applications” tab

Autosampler

The NEW Discovery TGA features our new 25-position autosampler designed to be the most rugged and reliable system ever developed.

Autosampler Features and Benefits:

• Compatible with all pan types and sizes for ultimate flexibility.
• Sealed pan* and pan punch option for effective isolation of air-sensitive or volatile samples.
• Scheduled and unattended calibrations and verifications give scientists more time for research.
• Integrated electromagnet allows for unattended Curie point calibrations.[1]
• New TRIOS software makes it easier than ever to manage and run a large and diverse sample queue.
• The Design view and Running queue allow for quick and efficient autosampler programming.

[1] TGA 5500 only * U.S. Patent no. 6,840,668

Sample Press

Proper sample preparation is of critical importance to the quality of data generated on a DSC. The Tzero sample encapsulation press and pans take into consideration every detail necessary by design to ensure simple and proper preparation for the highest data quality.

Tzero® Pans

Tzero high-performance pans and lids are designed to maximize pan flatness and sample contact. Coupled with the unparalleled flatness and uniformity of the Fusion cell sensor, the Tzero pans and lids provide the most direct, uniform heat flow path from the sample to the sensor. These pans are tolerant of many sample forms and are designed with lids that conform to the top of irregular specimens, efficiently transferring heat to and from the entire sample. Competitive pan designs that have non-flat bases are unable to achieve appropriate thermal contact with solid specimens. Fabricated using advanced technology and to extremely tight tooling specifications, the Tzero pans offer significant improvements in resolution and repeatability over any other pan design.

Tzero® DSC Sample Encapsulation Press

The Tzero press takes sample encapsulation to a higher level of performance and convenience in conventional and hermetic sealing of a wide variety of materials. The press kit includes four die sets for Tzero aluminum and hermetic pans & lids. Optional die sets are available for high-volume DSC pans and Discovery TGA sealed pans. The die sets are magnetically attached with no tools or adjustments required. In addition, each die set is color-coded to the box containing the compatible Tzero or standard aluminum hermetic pans and lids.

TGA Sealed Pans – Discovery TGA – Q5000

TGA Pans

Pan Specifications

Blending Gas Delivery Module (GDM) for the Discovery TGA 550 and TGA 5500

The Blending Gas Delivery Module (GDM) delivers flexibility in gas handling on the Discovery TGA 5500 and TGA 550. The GDM is an external accessory with two additional gas inlet ports that connect to the reactive gas port on the TGA. The GDM used in conjunction with the TGA allows for automated switching between the gas ports, as well as software-controlled blending of binary mixtures of gases. The added capability to perform controlled blending of binary gas mixtures allows for TGA experiments to be carried out in an atmosphere where the concentration of gases may be in a fixed ratio, stepped incrementally or ramped at a controlled rate. The GDM is compatible with Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Air, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and Forming Gas (4%H2/96% N2).  This accessory can be used to study sorption of gasses onto a material at atmospheric pressure, Redox reactions, and thermal stability of materials in a controlled atmosphere.

See applications under the “applications” tab

Glovebox Installation

Adapter kit for seamless glovebox installation of Discovery TGA

Often high-performance materials react instantaneously with oxygen or humidity in ambient air, altering their properties and/or leading to safety risks due to uncontrolled exothermal reactions. Some examples for materials requiring inert protective atmosphere handling are Li-ion battery components, pharmaceuticals, chemicals used in semiconductor production and catalysts. An adapter kit enables seamless installation of Discovery TGA series instruments in the inert environment of a glovebox.

It has never been so simple to perform thermogravimetric analysis of atmosphere-sensitive materials in inert protective environments. Robust design and state-of-the-art technology ensure the TGA performance is not impacted, delivering the same accuracy and precision as when operated outside a glovebox.

Discovery TGA instruments can be operated in N₂ or Ar purged gloveboxes covering all industries’ needs.

Features and Benefits:

• Glovebox operation of TA Instruments Discovery TGA provides reliable material data of atmosphere sensitive samples.
• No instrument modifications required to install Discovery TGA in a glovebox maintains accuracy of analysis data.
• N₂-sensitive battery materials can be analyzed without contamination in argon (Ar) purged gloveboxes.
• Plug-and-play installation compatible with most glovebox brands and types through effectively designed installation kits employing standardized ISO-KF40 connections.

Compositional Analysis

TGA is used to determine sample composition by measuring the weight of each component as it volatilizes or decomposes under controlled conditions of temperature, time, and atmosphere. This figure shows quantitative differences in type, amount, and decomposition mechanism of the main polymers in three paint samples. More detailed examination of the profiles below 150°C may reveal further information on the amount and possible nature of the carrier solvent (aqueous or oil) used in each paint.

Verification of Thermal Events

TGA is very useful in conjunction with other thermal analysis techniques such as DSC and is often critical to understanding the true nature of thermal events. In this data, a pharmaceutical material undergoes an endothermic transition above 125°C which was previously thought to be melting. TGA analysis demonstrates considerable weight loss below 125°C, which suggests that the endotherm is actually decomposition. DSC analysis at multiple rates exposes rate-dependence of this transition which confirms decomposition.

Volatiles Analysis

TGA determinations of absorbed, bound, or occluded moisture, and organic volatiles are important analyses for product performance and environmental acceptance. Analysis of an organic salt hydrate in nitrogen atmosphere shows a bound-water content of 9.6%, and two lower temperature weight losses of 3.6% and 2.3% respectively. These losses are likely due to adsorbed moisture at the salt surface or held to it by weak attractive forces.

Moisture Content & Thermal Stability of a Pharmaceutical Material

TGA is a useful technique for determining the absolute and relative thermal stability of pharmaceutical compounds, as well as the moisture content. In this example, an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is analyzed by TGA at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The data show a small (~2%) weight loss below 150°C, which is typical for adsorbed water. The material is relatively stable up to 200°C, after which a large, multi-step weight loss is indicative of thermal decomposition.

TGA-FTIR: Phenolic Resin Decomposition

This figure contains the TGA-FTIR results for the thermal decomposition of a phenolic resin adhesive. A Gram-Schmidt reconstruction of the time-resolved FTIR spectra is compared to the weight loss signal as a function of time and temperature. The inset image contains the FTIR spectrum of the offgas composition at 34.95 minutes, near the point of the maximum rate of decomposition. The FTIR spectrum corresponding to this temperature indicates that the offgas products are primarily composed of phenols, including bisphenol A, which is included as a comparison spectrum. This level of chemical specificity is useful in comparing similar products, quality control, and fingerprint analysis.

TGA Mass Spectrometer Application

Decomposition of An Engineered Plastic

Poly(phenylene oxide), or PPO, is an engineering thermoplastic with desirable high-performance specifications for heat resistance, dimensional stability and cost. With a glass transition temperature as high as 215°C, the injection molding or extrusion processing temperature of PPO would need to be high, and as a result the process can be costly. Quite commonly, PPO is blended with other polymers such as polystyrene (HIPS) to aid processing and ductility. In this example, neat PPO is heated to decomposition in an inert nitrogen atmosphere. The TGA-MS hyphenated technique allows for the detection and identification of the resultant decomposition products. The data is displayed as an overlay of ion current and weight loss with respect to temperature. TGA shows a monotonic weight loss step; however, the mass spectroscopy data presents the detection of several decomposition entities that range in mass to charge ratios of 65 to 136 amu which is the molecular ion of the repeating unit. Proposed decomposition products based on the structure of the polyether are shown.

TGA GDM Application

REDOX Reaction of Copper Oxalate

Copper oxalate (CuC₂O₄) is a salt that decomposes to elemental copper upon heating in an inert atmosphere. It is often used to measure the inertness of the TGA atmosphere, as the high surface area copper is readily oxidized at high temperatures. In this example a REDOX experiment was accomplished using the Blending GDM and the Discovery TGA. After decomposition of the oxalate, oxygen was introduced into the TGA sample chamber resulting in the formation of copper (II) oxide; subsequent reduction of the copper oxide was achieved through the introduction of small amounts of hydrogen gas. Forming gas (a 4:96 H₂:N₂ mixture) is safely used as a hydrogen source in the TGA, as this concentration is below the explosive limit

JSON Export: The Future of Data Management

• Seamless Integration: Convert your TRIOS data into the open standard JSON format, making it easy to integrate with programming tools, data science workflows, and lab systems (e.g. LIMS). JSON is available:
  • Automatically on every save (enabled in options)
  • Through manual export dialogs
  • As part of the “Send to LIMS” functionality
  • Via the “Batch” processing dialog or from the command line
  • In TRIOS AutoPilot
• Data Consistency: Our publicly available JSON schema ensures a consistent data structure, allowing you to write code once and apply it universally across all your data files.
• Python Library: Use our open-sourced python library, TA Data Kit, to simplify your data ingestion or learn how to take advantage of the power of our data with our code examples.

For more information, click here

Polymer Guided Methods

A Guided Method for Decomposition and Residue provides an easy-to-use interface for new users to obtain desired results with minimal training. 

Decomposition and Residue  

• Preconfigured ramp templates with customizable ramp rates and start/end temperatures 
• Automatically intelligently analyzes and reports all weight loss events and the final residue