Thermal analysis in microanalysis is used to study how a material’s physical and chemical properties change with temperature. It helps identify composition, stability, and other characteristics in very small samples.
Key Thermal Analysis Techniques
- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
- Measures weight change of a sample as it is heated or cooled.
- Useful for detecting:
- Moisture content
- Decomposition temperatures
- Volatile components
- Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA)
- Measures temperature difference between the sample and a reference as both are heated.
- Helps detect phase transitions, melting points, or reactions.
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Measures heat flow into or out of a sample during heating or cooling.
- Identifies:
- Crystallization
- Glass transition
- Oxidation or decomposition
Applications in Microanalysis
- Material Characterization: Analyze small amounts of polymers, metals, or ceramics for thermal stability.
- Environmental Samples: Determine organic matter content in soil or sediments.
- Pharmaceuticals: Check purity, melting points, and stability of drugs.
- Quality Control: Ensure consistency in materials by monitoring thermal properties.
In short:
Thermal analysis in microanalysis allows scientists to study small samples and understand how they change with temperature, helping in material characterization, quality control, and environmental studies.