DIN EN ISO 11358-1 TGA measurement (accredited)

Our test laboratory performs testing in accordance with DIN EN ISO 11358-1 using an accredited procedure. This standard specifies a standardized test method for determining the thermal decomposition behavior of plastics by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The aim of the test is to investigate the mass change of a material as a function of temperature or time under defined atmospheric conditions, enabling conclusions to be drawn regarding composition, thermal stability, and decomposition mechanisms.

The standard is applicable to polymeric materials, composite systems, and coated materials, and is particularly used for evaluating materials subjected to thermal stress. Typical objectives include the determination of decomposition temperatures, filler content, moisture content, and volatile components.

During testing, a defined sample quantity (typically a few milligrams) is analyzed in a thermobalance (TGA instrument) under a controlled atmosphere (e.g. inert gas such as nitrogen or an oxidative atmosphere such as air). The sample is continuously heated at a specified rate while the mass change is recorded with high resolution as a function of temperature. Alternatively, isothermal measurements can be performed, in which the sample is held at a constant temperature for a defined period.

From the resulting thermograms, characteristic parameters such as onset temperatures of decomposition, maximum decomposition rates, mass losses within defined temperature ranges, and residual mass (ash content) are determined. These values enable a detailed analysis of the thermal behavior and material composition.