Thermal Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TGA and DSC?

TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis) measures mass change as a function of temperature — decomposition, moisture loss, volatile content. DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) measures heat flow, revealing thermal transitions that involve no mass change — melting, crystallization, glass transition, polymorphic transitions. The two are complementary and often read together.

What does DSC reveal about polymorphism?

DSC detects the melting point and enthalpy of each crystalline form present in a sample; different polymorphs melt at different temperatures with different enthalpies, and DSC can also detect a solid-state transition from one form to another during heating — a key input for polymorphic risk assessment, usually paired with XRD for phase identification.

What can TGA tell you about a formulation's stability?

TGA quantifies mass loss stages — residual solvent or moisture, then decomposition — and the temperature at which each occurs, indicating thermal stability limits, drying/storage behavior and, for mixtures, approximate composition when components decompose at distinct temperatures.

What is a glass transition and why does it matter?

The glass transition (Tg) is the temperature at which an amorphous material changes from a rigid, glassy state to a softer, rubbery state. It is critical for amorphous drug formulations and polymers, since physical and chemical stability, and processing behavior, change markedly around Tg.

Which lab performs TGA and DSC thermal analysis in Brazil?

Percevia is a Brazilian analytical laboratory based in São Paulo, offering TGA and DSC thermal analysis as outsourced analytical services for pharmaceutical, cosmetics and materials companies characterizing thermal stability and transitions.