Hyphenated Thermogravimetric Analyser - Infrared Spectroscopy - Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry System
(TGA-IR-GCMS)
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This system consists of four instruments: a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), an infrared spectrophotometer (IR), a gas chromatograph (GC), and a mass spectrometer (MS) hyphenated by two transfer lines. This TGA-IR-GC/MS system allows a sample (solid or liquid) to be vaporized or decomposed by heating, record its mass loss, and simultaneously analyze its chemical composition. The transfer lines, to avoid condensation of the evolved gas, are heated up to 350ËšC .
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The TGA can operate at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1100ËšC under flowing nitrogen, argon or helium. The mass spectrometer is used (with the help of the NIST MS Search Program) to identify the composition of the evolved gas. The gas chromatograph can be used to resolve each component through the column and better distinguish a sample’s chemical composition by the MS. The IR data (obtained in a continuous mode by a specified rate) can be coupled to the TGA and/or GC/MS results to confirm the chemical identity determined by the mass spectra library.
To learn more about evolved gas analysis and the possibilities offered by this technique as well, click here.
The TGA module can be booked as a stand-alone instrument for routine thermogravitational analyses (see below).
Thermogravimetric Analyser
(TGA)
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On this TGA, an optical null ultra-microbalance, isolated in a temperature-compensated balance chamber, ensures stability and provides the capability of measuring the smallest weight changes. With its two integrated mass-flow controllers, it is possible to purge the furnace (sample) and the balance with distinct gases. The sample purge gases offered are helium, argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Its low mass and forced-air cooling allow it to cool quickly for fast sample turnaround.
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Our TGA permits the analysis of volatile and humidity/air-sensitive samples through the Accupick accessory. The accessory has a needle that is attached to a stem fixed under the balance system of the TGA. When the autosampler is raised, the needle punctures the cover of the Accupik pan (made of aluminum). The pan capacity is about 30µL and is suitable to liquid and solid samples.
The specification list of the instrument is available here.
Differential Scanning Calorimeter
(DSC)
The DSC 6000 is a heat-flux DSC that permits the direct calorimetric measurement, characterization, and analysis of thermal properties of materials. The Intracooler module permits thermal analyses between -65°C to 450°C and allows a wide range of heating and cooling rates. Capable of complex temperature programming and sensitive to minimal variations of heat flux for advanced thermodynamics study, this instrument is also available for routine measurements to be carried out.
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The specification list of the instrument is available here.
Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry Analyser
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Mercury porosimetry provides a wide range of information, e.g. pore size distribution, total pore volume or porosity, skeletal and apparent density, and specific surface area of a sample. The AutoPore V provides measurements of pore radii from several hundreds of microns down to 3 nm, covering the size range of the materials and electrodes commonly used in electrochemical systems but also in broad range of other systems, from aerospace materials to medical implants. The available pressure range span from 0.2 psia to 60 kpsia, with a controlled pressure increase as fine as 0.05 psi. The sub-microliter (better than 0.1 µL) measurement of intrusion/extrusion volumes permits the characterization of tighter samples and high-quality characterization data.
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The specification list of the instrument is available here.
