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Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has become essential for determining the loss on ignition (LOI) in solid combustion residues such as coal ash, biomass ash, and cement residues. LOI is a critical parameter in assessing the quality and usability of these residues, referring to the mass loss when the sample is heated in an air or oxygen atmosphere to high temperatures, typically around 750°C or 950°C.
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When plastic is burned it produces ash content, an inorganic residue that contains parts of the material that have not been affected by the heat. These can include pigments, fillers, and reinforcements. Depending on what it contains, ash content can affect the characteristics of the plastic. If a plastic contains a filler, such as talc or calcium carbonate, it is likely that its thermal stability and stiffness will be increased. However, too much of a filler could lower its strength. By undertaking ash content analysis, there is the potential to understand what it contains and, thus, how its content could affect its overall properties. This knowledge can be applied to quality control measures to optimize plastics as they proceed through development. Not o...

The analysis of moisture content within food and feed provides an indication of their quality, lifespans, and the presence of nutrients. It is important the moisture in these products is controlled to ensure their safety, as too much moisture can encourage the appearance of bacteria, improve the management of manufacturing procedures, and follow specific regulations. A direct moisture determination of food and feed can be undertaken through the application of a thermogravimetric analyzer. By increasing the temperature of a sample, an opportunity arises to understand its levels of moisture. This is through observing any changes in weight caused by the evaporation of liquid. Join us as we consider thermogravimetric analyzers in more detail and how they are used to make direct moisture det...