Editing Thermogravimetric analysis (section)

==Operation in combination with other instruments==

Thermogravimetric analysis is often combined with other processes or used in conjunction with other analytical methods. 

For example, the TGA instrument continuously weighs a sample as it is heated to temperatures of up to 2000&nbsp;°C for coupling with [[Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy]] (FTIR) and [[mass spectrometry]] gas analysis. As the temperature increases, various components of the sample are decomposed and the weight percentage of each resulting mass change can be measured.

{| class="wikitable"
|+<big>'''Comparison of Thermal gravimetric analysis  and Differential thermal analysis techniques:'''</big>
!'''<big>Sr.No.</big>'''
!'''<big>Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)</big>'''
!<big>'''Differential thermal analysis (DTA)'''</big>
|-
|1
|In TGA the weight loss or gain is measured as a function of temperature or time. 
|In DTA the temperature difference between a sample and reference is measured as a function of temperature. 
|-
|2
|The TGA curve appears as steps involving horizontal and curved portions.
|The DTA curve shows upward and downward peaks.
|-
|3
|Instrument used in TGA is a thermobalance. 
|Instrument used in DTA is a DTA Apparatus.  
|-
|4
|TGA gives information only for substances which show a change in mass on heating or cooling.
|DTA does not require a change in mass of the sample in order to obtain meaningful information. 
DTA can be used to study any process in which heat is absorbed or liberated.
|-
|5
|The upper temperature used for TGA is normally 1000&nbsp;°C.
|The upper temperature used for DTA is often higher than TGA (As high as 1600&nbsp;°C).
|-
|6
|Quantitative analysis is done from the thermal curve by measuring the loss in mass <math>\bigtriangleup</math>m.
|Quantitative analysis is done by measuring the peak areas and peak heights.
|-
|7
|The data obtained in TGA is useful in determining purity and composition of materials, drying and ignition temperatures of materials and knowing the stability temperatures of compounds.
|The data obtained in DTA is used to determine temperatures of transitions, reactions and melting points of substances. 
|}