UGent Coupled Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analyzer (DSC-TGA)
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The TNA holder has indicated that this infrastructure would remain accessible also after the Trees4Future end-of-project, however the applicant would have to bear costs. Potential users are invited to enquire directly with the site manager for agreement on accessibility and related costs. |
Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analyzer. Photo: Woodlab
Type of facility: Equipment
Keywords: calorimetry, thermogravimetry, energy, vapour dynamics, pyrolysis, wood research, wood properties, wood physical properties, wood chemistry
Who would find this useful? Wood research community, wood production community, non-forest research communities.
About the facility: The coupled DSC-TGA equipment at Woodlab is a top-notch system with dedicated software (CALISTO) for simultaneous and ultra-precise monitoring of both calorimetric and gravimetric changes occurring in small samples upon heating.
Scanning experiments can be set up in DSC, TGA or coupled mode, with different carrier or reactive gases, and with heating rates variably programmable. The 3-D DSC sensor technology inside is unique, as it captures up to 94% of all heat exchanges throughout the entire temperature range (compared to ca. only 25% in temperature-dependent plate-type sensors) and detects very small temperature changes. The high precision TGA balance also has a very high resolution. A separate WETSYS module allows controlling relative humidity up to 75°C. This allows a large range of experiments and very advanced analysis.
SENSYS Evo DSC-TGA, perform analyses from room temperature up to 830°C with variable heating rates from 0.01 up to 30°C/min. The DSC module has a resolution of 0.4 µW, and the TGA module has a resolution of 0.03 µg. Both solid samples as well as powders can be analysed.
DSC-TGA poster
What does the TA programme offer? Maximum 8-day visit, design experiments, prepare samples, program scanning runs, analyse data. DSC and TGA scanning data reflect kinetics of thermochemical decomposition processes or adsorption phenomena, i.e. data on changes in mass, moisture content or energy content of the material. This "compositional fingerprinting" allows making inferences about the polymer composition of woody tissues (lignin, cellulose, hemicelluloses, extractives), which will be crucial in the study of tree growth (e.g. in relation to changing climate), cambial activity, wood formation (lignification, reaction wood), bioenergy and carbon-mitigation potential as it reflects the amount of energy invested by a tree.
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Location: Ghent, Belgium
