Q50 TGA (ARMS B214)

Soft Materials Characterization Core Facility

Equipment Information

Status

         Operational       Under Maintenance       Down

Capabilities

  • Measures mass change as a function of temperature
  • Temperature range: room temperature to 1000ºC
  • Thermocouple accuracy: ± 5°C
  • Maximum heating rate: 100ºC/minute
  • Atmosphere: N2 and compressed air provided; additional gases must be compatible with the machine and are provided by the user
  • Specimen mass: 5-20mg (depends on density)
  • Specimen autoloader

Rates and Fees*

  • Machine Rate: $9/hour (internal)
  • Staff Rate: $50/hour (internal)
  • Training Fee: $200

     * Rates listed apply to Purdue University users only

Department Contacts

  • Faculty P.O.C.:   Dr. Jeffrey Youngblood

Safety Information

  • Know what your material off-gases; if it degrades to small molecule organics or CO2 (run in air) then it is fine. However, if OFF-GASSES are CONDENSIBLE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE or REACTIVE, then it is NOT ALLOWED. Materials such as zinc, mercury, etc. cannot be run.
  • Required lab attire: safety glasses, long pants, and close-toed shoes

 

Training and Lab Requirements

User Requirements

  • Valid iLab account
  • Subscription to the equipment listserv is required before access will be granted
  • Complete and turn in the B214 Safety Contract
  • Be familiar with and obey the Soft Materials Characterization Core Facility Operating Procedure
  • Users must provide their own platinum or alumina pans
  • Training by department lab staff/superuser

Specimen and Equipment Requirements

  • DO NOT over fill the TGA pan
  • Materials: Know your material; never go close to the boiling temperature. If your material evaporates, then stay well below the evaporation temperature.
  • Reactions: Know what your material reacts with; specifically platinum (there are a variety of platinum eutectics). If you damage a pan or thermocouple due to a reaction with a platinum pan, you will be responsible for replacing the damaged component(s).
  • Evolved gases: Know what your material off-gases; if it degrades to small molecule organics or CO2 (run in air) then it is fine. However, if OFF-GASSES are CONDENSIBLE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE or REACTIVE, then it is NOT ALLOWED. Materials such as zinc, mercury, etc. cannot be run.
  • Heating rate: Some materials need extra time (slower heating rate) to heat or evolve gasses; foams, packed powders, and solid materials with residual solvent or liquid may need slower ramp rates. DO NOT EXPAND, FOAM, or EXPLODE samples in the instrument.

 

Request Training

The Q50 TGA is part of the Soft Materials Characterization Core Facility and is available for use by MSE and non-MSE users.