Thermal Analyzer

The Setsys 16/18 has the ability to perform simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at high temperatures. Analysis of evolved gases is possible via a coupling capillary interfaced to a Balzers ThermoStar mass spectrometer that permits measurements up to 300 amu.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter

DSC measures temperatures and heat flows associated with thermal transitions in a material. Common usage includes investigation, selection, comparison and end-use performance of materials in research, quality control and production applications. Properties measured include glass transitions, "cold" crystallization, phase changes, melting, crystallization, product stability, cure/cure kinetics, and oxidative stability.  Modulated DSC also possible.

Thermomechanical Analyzer

The TMA 2940 is an easy-to-use, reliable instrument that measures dimensional changes in a material as a function of temperature under a controlled atmosphere. Its main uses in research and QC include accurate determination of changes in length, width, thickness, and coefficient of linear expansion of materials. It also is used to detect transitions in materials (e.g. glass transition temperature, softening and flow information, delamination temperature, creep / stress relaxation etc). A wide variety of measurement modes are available (expansion, penetration and tension) for analysis of solids, powders, fibres and thin film samples.

Simultaneous TG-DTA

The TA Instruments SDT 2960 module is capable of performing both thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) at the same time. This unit measures the amount and rate of weight change in a material, either as a function of increasing temperature, or isothermally as a function of time, in a controlled atmosphere (TGA functions). It can be used to characterize any material that exhibits a weight change and to detect phase changes due to decomposition, oxidation or dehydration. This information helps the researcher identify the percent weight change and correlate chemical structure, processing, and end-use performance. Performing TGA and DTA measurements at the same time, on the same instrument, offers greater productivity and removes experimental and sampling variables as a factor in the analysis of data.

Furnaces

The department has a large range of furnaces including a horizontal tube furnace with gas-tight end fittings for work in controlled atmospheres.  The temperature range of this furnace is from ambient to 1350 ºC, with an internal diameter of 50 mm.

For more information contact Jean-Pierre Guerbois