TGA Alumina Crucible for Thermogravimetric Analysis | Repeatable High-Temperature Runs

Applications: Batch TGA Crucibles in Industrial and Research Labs

Batch TGA alumina crucibles produce repeatable mass-loss curves on samples of several hundred milligrams or more. Selection is driven by your sample position, fill mass, and whether the sample evolves gas.

• Polymer Analysis

  Use alumina crucibles for TGA characterization of polymers, including thermal decomposition studies, filler content determination, and thermal stability evaluation. The chemical inertness of alumina prevents catalytic effects on polymer degradation.

• Pharmaceutical Testing

  TGA alumina crucibles are ideal for pharmaceutical applications such as moisture content analysis, thermal stability testing of active ingredients, and decomposition studies. The non-reactive surface ensures accurate measurement of drug substance properties.

• Materials Research

  Research laboratories use alumina crucibles for studying thermal properties of ceramics, composites, catalysts, and nanomaterials. The wide temperature range and stability make them suitable for diverse material characterization work.

• Quality Control

  Manufacturing facilities rely on TGA alumina crucibles for routine quality control testing including ash content determination, volatiles analysis, and thermal stability verification of incoming materials and finished products.

• Environmental Analysis

  Environmental laboratories use alumina crucibles for TGA analysis of soils, sediments, and waste materials to determine organic content, moisture levels, and thermal decomposition profiles.

Alumina TGA Crucibles Usage Instructions

• Before First Use

  1. Rinse new crucibles with deionized water to remove any dust from manufacturing
  2. Dry completely in an oven at 150°C for at least 1 hour
  3. Allow to cool to room temperature in a desiccator
  4. Run a blank TGA cycle to condition the crucible and verify baseline

• Sample Preparation

  1. Handle crucibles with clean tweezers or gloves to avoid contamination
  2. Tare the empty crucible on the TGA balance
  3. Add sample to crucible - typical sample size is 5-20 mg
  4. Distribute sample evenly across crucible bottom
  5. Place lid on crucible if testing atmosphere control is needed
  6. Position crucible carefully on TGA sample platform

• After Testing

  1. Allow crucible to cool completely before handling
  2. Remove residue carefully - some samples may adhere strongly to crucible
  3. Clean crucible according to residue type (see cleaning section)
  4. Inspect crucible for cracks or damage before reuse
  5. Store clean, dry crucibles in a dust-free environment

• Cleaning Procedures

  For organic residues: Heat crucible in muffle furnace at 600-800°C in air to burn off organic material.

  For inorganic residues: Soak in dilute acid (typically 10% HCl or HNO3) or dilute base (typically 10% NaOH) depending on residue chemistry. Rinse thoroughly with deionized water and dry.

  For stubborn residues: Combine acid/base treatment with mechanical cleaning using appropriate brushes. Avoid metal tools that could scratch the crucible surface.

• Storage

  Store clean TGA alumina crucibles in a sealed container or desiccator to prevent dust accumulation and moisture absorption. Keep crucibles separate from chemicals that might cause contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions About TGA Alumina Crucibles

1. Can I use alumina crucibles in reducing atmospheres?
   Yes, alumina is stable in mildly reducing atmospheres. However, for strongly reducing conditions (such as hydrogen at high temperature), graphite or carbon crucibles may be more suitable.
2. How many times can I reuse an alumina crucible?
   With proper cleaning and handling, alumina crucibles can typically be reused 50-100+ times. Inspect crucibles regularly for cracks, chips, or permanent staining that might affect performance. Discard damaged crucibles.
3. Can I request a custom depth, inner diameter or pierced lid?
   Yes. Send a drawing or retained sample showing the required dimensions, tolerances and cup/lid geometry. For a pierced or vented lid, specify the hole diameter, position and intended function. Feasibility, inspection requirements and lead time are confirmed after drawing and application review.
4. What's the difference between 99.5%, 99.7%, and 99.9% purity alumina?
   Our TGA alumina crucibles are available in three purity levels. Standard 99.5% purity is suitable for most routine thermogravimetric analysis applications and offers the best value. 99.7% purity provides lower levels of trace impurities for improved chemical resistance and cleaner baselines. 99.9% purity offers the highest quality with minimal contamination, ideal for ultra-sensitive measurements or when sample purity is critical. For most laboratory applications, 99.5% purity delivers reliable performance.
5. Will my sample react with the alumina crucible?
   Alumina is chemically inert to most organic and inorganic materials at typical TGA temperatures. However, strongly basic samples, certain molten salts, and some reactive metals can interact with alumina at high temperature. Contact us if you're unsure about compatibility with your specific sample.
6. What size crucible should I choose?
   Choose crucible size based on your typical sample quantity and TGA instrument specifications. 100 µL crucibles work well for 5-10 mg samples, while 150-170 µL sizes accommodate 10-20 mg. Larger samples may require better thermal equilibration time. Check your instrument manual for recommended crucible dimensions.
7. How do I know when to replace a crucible?
   Replace crucibles when you observe visible cracks, chips on the rim, permanent discoloration that can't be cleaned, or when baseline behavior changes significantly compared to new crucibles. Regular inspection before each use helps maintain data quality.