Significance and Use

Thermogravimetry is useful in determining the dynamic functional effect of temperature on the amount of volatile materials leaving a specimen as the latter is heated progressively to higher temperatures. TGA can be useful for process control, process development, material evaluation, and for identification and quality control in specifications.

The thermal stability of a material can be associated with the degree and time rate of mass loss as a function of temperature. TGA curves can, therefore, be used as a preliminary screen method in the evaluation of relative behavior of insulating materials of the same generic family.

The functional temperature-life relationship of an insulating material in any given application depends on a number of service and environmental factors. Therefore, the information obtained from TGA curves is not adequate by itself to describe the thermal capability of an insulating material.

Refer to the Appendix for further discussion of the interpretation of TGA data.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method outlines a procedure for obtaining thermogravimetric (TGA) data on solid polymeric materials intended for use as electrical insulating materials.

1.2 Do not use this standard to quantify an estimate of the long-term thermal capability for any electrical insulating material. If a relationship exists between TGA and the long-term thermal capabilities of a material, then that fact must be established and made public, preferably by comparing data between a candidate and another material known to display similar failure modes.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics

D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics

D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation

D2307 Test Method for Thermal Endurance of Film-Insulated Round Magnet Wire

E220 Test Method for Calibration of Thermocouples By Comparison Techniques

E473 Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology

E1582 Practice for Calibration of Temperature Scale for Thermogravimetry

Keywords

degradation; insulating; mass loss; polymeric material; thermogravimetric analysis; TGA ; Heating tests--electrical insulating materials; Mass loss testing; Degradation; Electrical insulating plastics; Polymers (electrical insulation applications); Rapid thermal degradation; Thermal analysis (TA)--electrical insulation; Thermal endurance--electrical insulating materials; Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 29.035.01 (Insulating materials in general)

DOI: 10.1520/D3850-12

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D3850