TGA Analysis for Moisture Content is a highly trusted method used in industries like pharmaceuticals, polymers, and materials science. It offers accurate results when it comes to measuring moisture and other volatile substances in various materials. Because of its precision and ease of use, this method is preferred by laboratories and quality control teams across the world.
At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., we specialize in advanced TGA testing services to provide dependable results. With well-calibrated equipment and a team of experienced scientists, we ensure our clients get detailed insights into their materials. Whether it’s for research, development, or regulatory compliance, our TGA testing helps you make informed decisions with confidence.
In this article, we’ll explain how accurate TGA really is, how it works, and why it is better than other moisture testing methods.
Why Choose TGA Analysis for Moisture Content?
When it comes to moisture detection, TGA Analysis for Moisture Content provides clear and objective results. The system tracks weight loss as moisture evaporates, allowing experts to understand exactly how much water is present in the sample. This is especially useful in industries where even a small amount of moisture can affect product quality, shelf life, or performance.
TGA not only identifies the presence of moisture but also distinguishes between free and bound water based on temperature-specific weight loss. This level of detail is critical for manufacturers who must ensure consistent product stability. By delivering accurate, repeatable measurements, TGA helps streamline quality control, reduce material waste, and improve overall reliability across production lines.
Read more: What is TGA Analysis – Principles and Applications
Why TGA Analysis for Moisture Content is More Reliable Than Other Methods
Traditional methods like Loss-on-Drying or Karl Fischer titration have been used for years. However, TGA Analysis for Moisture Content is more reliable because of its ability to detect even very small amounts of moisture with minimal sample preparation. These conventional techniques often rely on chemical reactions or high-temperature drying, which can introduce errors or miss tightly bound water molecules.
With real-time monitoring and high-precision balances, TGA gives exact measurements that are easy to interpret. The ability to run samples under different atmospheres (like air or nitrogen) and the option to combine TGA with FTIR or MS makes it even more versatile for complex materials. This flexibility allows for more detailed thermal profiling and supports a deeper understanding of material composition. Additionally, TGA’s non-reliance on reagents reduces contamination risks and simplifies the overall testing workflow, making it ideal for high-throughput environments.
How TGA Ensures High Accuracy in Moisture and Volatile Detection
High Temperature Control and Resolution
TGA instruments control temperature with great accuracy, often within ±1 °C. This helps clearly distinguish between different substances like free water, chemically bound moisture, and solvents. Each of these components leaves a specific “fingerprint” during heating, shown as a weight loss at a certain temperature range.
Such detailed thermal control allows for a reliable understanding of the material’s moisture content. It also reduces the chances of overlapping thermal events, which can complicate interpretation. With proper calibration, TGA enables consistent separation of moisture phases across various sample types, from pharmaceuticals to polymers.
Exceptional Sensitivity of Measurement
Modern TGA systems can detect weight changes as small as 0.1 micrograms. This is important for materials like drugs, where even tiny amounts of moisture can affect safety or stability.
The sensitive balance inside the TGA equipment ensures repeatable and consistent results, no matter the sample type. This ultra-high sensitivity is also beneficial when testing rare, expensive, or limited-quantity samples. It allows analysts to extract maximum data from minimal material, improving testing efficiency and conserving resources.
Explore: Thermogravimetric Analysis for Material Characterization
Separation of Moisture and Other Volatiles
In many samples, water is not the only volatile substance. TGA can separate and identify water apart from other gases using techniques like derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), or hybrid setups like TGA-FTIR and TGA-MS. This helps scientists understand which components are evaporating and at what temperatures.
This ability is especially useful when working with chemical mixtures or formulations. It enables a full breakdown of thermal events, helping distinguish between solvent residues, degradation by-products, and actual water loss. As a result, industries can gain clearer insights into complex formulations and improve quality assurance practices.
Compare: DSC vs TGA – A Simple Comparison Guide
Real-Time Thermogram Monitoring
TGA tracks changes in real-time, offering a live view of the weight changes that occur during heating. This allows scientists to recognize physical and chemical changes, such as evaporation, decomposition, or sublimation, as they happen.
With this live data, test settings can be adjusted on the spot, improving overall analysis quality. It also enables immediate troubleshooting, such as identifying unexpected thermal behavior or contamination during testing. Real-time feedback is especially helpful in research environments where rapid optimization of experimental conditions is essential.
Controlled Test Environments for Better Accuracy
TGA can be performed under specific atmospheres like nitrogen or oxygen, based on the needs of the sample. By using the right environment, labs can control how the sample reacts and make sure the results are reliable and repeatable.
This control is key for high-quality moisture analysis in critical applications. It helps isolate specific reactions, such as oxidation or thermal degradation, that might otherwise interfere with moisture detection. For sensitive or reactive samples, atmospheric control ensures stability and improves data interpretation across various testing conditions.
Industry Use Cases of TGA Analysis for Moisture Content
Pharmaceutical Applications
TGA helps drug manufacturers verify the form of active ingredients (like hydrate or anhydrate). This matters because different forms can affect how a drug works and how long it stays stable.
It also helps in checking if products are stored correctly and if they are safe to use over time.
Use in Polymers and Plastics
Polymers can contain leftover solvents or plasticizers, which may affect their strength and performance. TGA detects these materials, helping manufacturers improve product quality.
In 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing, TGA ensures no unwanted volatiles are present that could harm performance.
Explore: TGA for Polymers and Inorganics
Moisture Detection in Ceramics and Inorganic Materials
Even a small amount of moisture can change how ceramics behave at high temperatures. TGA checks if ceramic powders are dry enough before sintering or thermal treatment.
This testing ensures better structural integrity and performance in final products.
How ResolveMass Laboratories Ensures Reliable TGA Moisture Testing
At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., we follow a strict process to make sure our TGA moisture testing is accurate and reliable:
- All instruments are ISO-calibrated for traceable, certified results
- Custom drying methods based on each material’s properties
- High-precision TGA machines with ±0.01% accuracy
- Detailed method development for industry-specific needs
- Expert interpretation of results with actionable insights
Our team has years of experience and is committed to fast, dependable service.
Need fast results? Visit: TGA Testing Lab – Fast Turnaround & Expert Support
Benefits of Choosing TGA Analysis for Moisture Content
- No need for chemicals or solvents
- Works with powders, tablets, gels, and solids
- Detects even ppm-level moisture
- Offers clear data in graphical format
- Meets audit and regulatory standards
Limitations of TGA Moisture Testing
While TGA is highly accurate, it has a few limitations. It may not always separate chemically bound water from physically absorbed water unless combined with other techniques. Also, overlapping events during heating can make it hard to read the results in some cases.
That’s why we always include expert analysis with every test at ResolveMass. This ensures that results are interpreted correctly based on the sample type.
Case Study: Solvent Detection in a Polymer Product
A leading polymer company needed to measure leftover solvents after heat processing. Our TGA Analysis for Moisture Content revealed not only free solvents but also hidden by-products that traditional methods missed.
As a result, the company updated its process, improved product quality, and avoided regulatory issues.
Conclusion: Why Choose TGA Analysis for Moisture Content?
TGA Analysis for Moisture Content is one of the most reliable and accurate ways to measure moisture and volatile substances in all types of materials. With real-time data, high sensitivity, and minimal prep work, it delivers trusted results.
At ResolveMass Laboratories Inc., we provide professional, certified TGA testing with a focus on accuracy and client support. Whether you’re in pharmaceuticals, polymers, or advanced materials, our services ensure that your products meet the highest standards.
Contact us now to discuss your material testing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
TGA, or Thermogravimetric Analysis, is a method used to measure how much moisture is in a material. It works by heating the sample and recording any weight loss that happens as the water evaporates. This helps scientists see exactly how much moisture is present. It’s a simple and reliable way to check moisture levels in solids like powders, tablets, or polymers.
Yes, TGA can help tell the difference between water and other substances that evaporate. By looking at the temperature at which weight loss happens, experts can figure out which type of material is being lost. Special tools like FTIR or MS can also be used with TGA to make the results even clearer.
TGA can detect very small amounts of moisture—down to 0.01% or even in parts per million (ppm). This makes it useful for testing materials where even a little moisture can cause problems, like in medicines or electronics.
TGA is better when you want to measure all kinds of substances that can evaporate, not just water. Karl Fischer is very accurate for testing water only. The right method depends on what you are testing and what kind of information you need.
TGA works with many types of materials, such as powders, tablets, gels, films, and granules. It’s a flexible method that can be used in industries like pharmaceuticals, plastics, and ceramics.
Yes, TGA can help tell the difference between free moisture (which evaporates at lower temperatures) and bound moisture (which comes off at higher temperatures). The test results show when each type of moisture leaves the sample.
Yes, TGA is a destructive test because it heats the sample until it changes or breaks down. While the sample can’t be used again, the test gives very useful information about how the material behaves with heat.
A controlled atmosphere, like using nitrogen or oxygen, helps make sure the sample behaves in a certain way during the test. This is important for getting accurate results, especially if the material reacts to air or needs a special environment.
