Applications: Thermal analysis in the chemical industry
Thermal analysis as a key technology
In the chemical industry, thermal analysis is increasingly taking on a central function, as it creates a direct link between classic analytical procedures and mechanical testing methods. It makes it possible to
Their relevance is also due to their cost-effectiveness: compared to other test methods, thermal analysis devices are often more cost-efficient to purchase, easy to automate and do not require in-depth specialist knowledge. As a result, they can be easily integrated into existing laboratory environments and enable continuous and reproducible process monitoring.
Areas of application and analytical possibilities
Thermal analysis supports almost all areas of the modern chemical industry – from polymer and petrochemical applications to pharmaceutical issues and catalysis research. In polymer chemistry, for example, it offers valuable insights into
Thermal analysis also provides crucial data in areas with more complex reaction mechanisms, such as petrochemistry or catalysis. It shows when catalysts are activated, how reaction paths change and which thermal limits must be observed for safe operation. In addition, evaporation losses, residual solvent contents and oxidation processes can be precisely quantified, which is particularly important for process optimization and safety assessments.
Key issues in the chemical industry
Thermal analysis can be used to precisely answer a number of key questions from the chemical industry, including
How do chemical reactions change under increased pressure?
How does a material react to different gas atmospheres?
At what temperature does a catalyst become active?
Does a process continue to run safely when temperatures rise?
Is a melting process superimposed by incipient decomposition?
These questions can be answered by TGA-, DSC and STAmeasurements in a structured manner. In the process melting points, glass transitions, phase transitions and decomposition points as well as kinetic parameters that provide information about activation energies and reaction rates. On this basis, a comprehensive thermal profile is created that reliably depicts the behavior of a material under real process conditions.
Range of methods and technological advantages
Thermal analysis comprises a range of established methods that provide a broad spectrum of information.
Complementary technologies such as dilatometry allow the analysis of the thermal expansion of polymers or resinswhile couplings with MS or FTIR systems enable the identification of released gases. Together, a detailed thermal profile is created, which is of central importance for the safe control of chemical processes.
Practical examples from the chemical industry
A typical application is the evaluation of catalysts. TGA and DSC measurements can be combined to gain a better understanding of activation and deactivation processes. This reveals the temperature at which a catalyst becomes effective and whether undesirable side processes such as oxidation or residues occur. This data is crucial for defining production parameters and reliably controlling reaction paths.
Another example can be found in polymer development. Here, thermal analysis enables a precise evaluation of curing processes, cross-linking reactions and ageing processes. By determining the reaction kinetics, production processes can be designed more efficiently, energy use and process times can be optimized and the long-term stability of a material can be reliably predicted.
Linsei's measurement technology as the basis for process reliability and innovation
Thermal analyzers from Linseis operate under strictly controlled temperatures, pressures and atmospheric conditions. They guarantee reproducible, reliable measurement results that are directly incorporated into the development of new products, process optimization and operational safety. Whether in research laboratories, pilot plants or industrial production – they provide the data basis on which chemical processes can be operated more efficiently, safely and economically.
