Practical thermogravimetry

The well-known divergence between the present 'state of the art' of thermog ravimetry and industrial requirements is discussed. Sources of errors are a nalyzed and the optimization of measuring conditions is discussed regarding the problems associated with static and dynamic (flow) atmospheres, and in teractions between materials and gases or vapors. Recommendations for gas-f low 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 decomposit ion temperature' (obtained at pseudo-equilibrium conditions).