Materials Testing Lab

DSC/TGA analyses at EMSL Analytical is performed with Q600 SDT Simultaneous DSC-TGA, high-resolution Discovery TGA, and modulated DSC, all provided by TA Instruments.

Thermal analysis includes the methods for measuring selected parameters during the heating of a sample.  Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), where the parameter is heat flow into and out of the sample and Thermo-gravimetry (TGA), where the parameter is the weight change of the sample, are two thermal analysis techniques of great value for various industries.

The new Q600 SDT Simultaneous DSC-TGA provides simultaneous measurement of true heat flow (DSC) and weight change (TGA) on the same sample from ambient to 1500 ^oC; The instrument features a highly reliable dual balance mechanism, with automatic beam growth compensation that delivers superior sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. The DSC heat flow is dynamically normalized using instantaneous sample weight at any temperature assuring thus highly improved accuracy of data.

Discovery TGA is a performance research grade TGA featuring a sensitive balance and a responsive IR furnace, with high sensitivity and repeatable temperature control over temperature range from ambient to 1200 ^oC; This instrument is also the instrument-of-choice for evolved gas applications, due to the heated EGA adapter that ensures that evolved components do not condense before detection.

Discovery DSC is a modulated DSC that can separate overlapping events that are difficult or impossible to do by standard DSC.   Modulated DSC permits separation of the total heat flow signal into its thermodynamic (heat capacity) and kinetic components, and thus provides further information for greater understanding of material properties.

With these analytical instruments, EMSL Analytical is ready to respond to various applications requiring superior sensitivity, resolution and temperature control in the field of thermal analysis and calorimetry of polymers, adhesive and sealants, specialty powders, or pharmaceuticals. Thermal analysis and calorimetry are especially useful for characterization of individual components in terms of identification, purity, polymorphism, stability; comparison of the raw materials with the finished product; for developing the profile of batch formulations; physical changes on processing or during storage; analysis of the dosage form of drugs, or for the study of the behavior of poly-phasic systems drug substances and excipients.