TA INSTRUMENTS Q500 TGA

GENERAL INFORMATION | STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

Location: Havemeyer 544

The TA Instruments Q500 is a research-grade thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) used to measure changes in sample mass as a function of temperature or time under controlled atmospheric conditions. This instrument precisely monitors weight loss or gain during heating, cooling, or isothermal holds, providing information about thermal stability, decomposition behavior, composition, and volatile content of materials. The system features a low mass furnace with rapid, precise temperature and rate programming, and a highly sensitive microbalance with excellent baseline stability and resolution. Analysis is performed on samples from ~10 mg to 1 g at temperatures between ambient and 1000°C. Air, oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2 atmospheres are available, enabling analysis under inert, oxidizing, or reducing conditions. The Q500 can perform various measurement modes including dynamic temperature ramps, isothermal studies, and modulated TGA for enhanced sensitivity.

It is commonly used for determining moisture and volatile content, analyzing thermal decomposition and degradation pathways, measuring ash and residue content, studying oxidation kinetics, characterizing polymers and composites, and assessing material purity.

For more information please contact Dr. Luca Telesca.