STA PT 1600 – Rubber – Decomposition
Rubber – Thermal decomposition – organics
The analysis of materials containing carbon, such as organics and polymers, presents a unique challenge due to their tendency to burn when exposed to heat. Therefore, the investigation of the thermal decomposition of these materials follows a distinctive process. In most instances, it is conducted in inert atmospheres, as opposed to in the presence of air, to enable the observation of decomposition effects and pyrolysis. Subsequently, a gas switch to oxygen or air is employed, initiating the combustion of the carbon content within the material.
When this procedure is performed using a combined thermal analyzer, known as STA (Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer), it allows for the measurement of several critical parameters. These include the determination of carbon content, inorganic content, and the quantification of the heat released during the process. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the behavior of carbon-containing materials under varying thermal conditions.

This analysis of an industrial rubber sample was conducted using a Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer, specifically the STA PT 1600, commencing in a nitrogen atmosphere. The sample underwent a controlled heating process with three stages, each with a heating rate of 30 Kelvin per minute.
The plotted blue curve illustrates the relative weight loss. In the initial weight loss stage, the sample underwent dehydration, resulting in a 9.3% reduction in weight. Notably, this dehydration process did not produce any discernible effects in the corresponding DTA (Differential Thermal Analysis) signal, as indicated by the purple curve.
The second stage involved the release of volatile components through pyrolysis under a nitrogen atmosphere. This phase saw a significant weight reduction of 36.0%. The release of these components was accompanied by an exothermic reaction peak on the DTA curve.
In the final stage, the atmospheric conditions were switched to oxygen (O2), leading to the combustion of the remaining carbon content. This resulted in a further weight loss of 14.3%. The remaining 40.4% of the sample’s weight consisted of inorganic components, such as ashes, slake, or fillers. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the composition and behavior of the industrial rubber sample under varying thermal conditions.
Related instruments

STA PT 1600
- (TGA) Thermogravimety and (DSC) Differential Scanning Calorimetry
- True top loading TG-DSC heat flux sensors
- Numerous user excheangable TG, TG-DSC and TG-DTA sensors for any kind of application
- Modular design: sample robot, turntable for up to two furnaces, vacuum tight design, different gas dosing systems, high pressure (up to 5 bar) option, vapor dosing system etc.
- Temperature range: -150 up to 1600/1750/2000/2400°C