ABSTRACT

In this experiment , Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) relies on a high degree of precision in

three measurements: mass change, temperature, and temperature change. Therefore, the basic
instrumental requirements for TGA are a precision balance with a pan loaded with the
sample, and a programmable furnace. The furnace can be programmed either for a constant
heating rate, or for heating to acquire a constant mass loss with time. The TGA instrument
continuously weighs a sample as it is heated to temperatures of up to 800C. As the
temperature increases, various components of the sample are decomposed and the weight
percentage of each resulting mass change can be measured. Results are plotted with
temperature on the X-axis and mass loss on the Y-axis. The data can be adjusted using curve
smoothing and first derivatives are often also plotted to determine points of inflection for
more in-depth interpretations. The TGA result show the polymer undergoes thermal
degradation beginning at 321.96 oc and with a total mass loss of 56.3 %.There is a small
amount of inert residue remaining (42.86%).TGA decomposition information can be used to
predict the useful productlifetimes of some polymericmaterials, such as the coatings for
electrical or telecommunication cables. The sample is heated at three or more different
heating rates. The use of the different heating changes the time scale of the decomposition
event. The faster the applied heating rate, the higher the given decomposition temperature
becomes. This approach establishes a link between time and temperature for the polymer
decomposition and this information can be used to model the decomposition kinetics.