Pyrolysis Evolved Gas Analysis using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer Coupled with an Infrared Spectrometer and Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is a well-established technique for evaluating the thermal stability of materials. Decomposition products are typically vented into exhaust hoods during heating ramps; however, by pairing the TGA instrument with a heated gas transfer line, a new realm of complementary analysis is possible known as evolved gas analysis (EGA). EGA is commonly completed using instruments that are well known in analytical laboratories. In this study, the thermogravimetric analyzer is paired with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to investigate decomposition products. Each technique provides unique benefits during the characterization of the sample. In this presentation, a tandem TGA-FTIR-GCMS setup utilizes the fast-heating IR furnace on the Discovery™ TGA 5500 to enable the use of moderate to ballistic ramp rates. A brief background of the techniques and polymer applications will be discussed.