SDT 2960 TA Instruments Simultaneous DTA-TGA

The TA Instruments SDT 2960 Simultaneous DSC-TGA measures both the heat flows (DSC) and weight changes (TGA) associated with transitions in a material as a function of temperature and time in a controlled atmosphere. Simultaneous measurement of these key material properties not only improves productivity but also simplifies interpretation of results. The complimentary information obtained allows differentiation between endothermic and exothermic events which have no associated weight loss (e.g. melting and crystallization) and those which involve a weight loss (e.g. degradation). The combined evaluation also assures identical experimental and sampling conditions for both measurements, thereby eliminating those sources of uncertainty.

Simultaneous DSC-TGA covers a wide temperature range from ambient to 1500°C making it a powerful tool for studying a wide variety of materials including polymers, ceramics, metals, and other inorganics. The SDT 2960 combines two thermal analysis measurements in a single instrument, thus providing easier interpretation of results and improved productivity at an attractive cost. The SDT 2960’s exceptional TGA sensitivity, DSC sensitivity, and stable baseline over a wide temperature range result in unmatched versatility for the selection of materials and the prediction of product performance and in-use lifetime.

A unique feature of the TA Instruments SDT 2960 is the ability to calculate normalized DSC data based on the “actual” weight of the sample. DSC data is “normalized” by dividing the heat flow signal by the sample weight. Most instruments simply use the initial sample weight for this calculation. This practice can yield misleading results since the weight of the sample can (and often does) change during the experiment. The SDT 2960 provides the user with the ability to specify how the DSC signals are to be normalized providing more accurate, meaningful, and repeatable results.Further improvements over competitive instruments include mechanical and electronic automation features that will appeal to novices as well as experienced thermal analysts. Convenient and easy sample handling minimizes the possibility of damaging the balance mechanism or thermocouples. The furnace assembly operates via a motor-driven screw for precise alignment and automatic opening and closing. The balance is based on a proven horizontal design which assures excellent sample/atmosphere interaction while minimizing chimney and sample weight effects. In addition, low volume inside the balance and sample areas permits rapid atmosphere changeover. Furthermore, the overall atmospheric flow dynamics make the SDT 2960 ideal for coupling to a mass spectrometer or FTIR for evolved gas analysis.