ASTM E2040-19

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2040 − 08 (Reapproved 2014) E2040 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Mass Scale Calibration of Thermogravimetric Analyzers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2040; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method describes the calibration or performance confirmation of the mass (or weight) scale of thermogravimetric
analyzers and is applicable to commercial and custom-built apparatus.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 There is no ISO standard equivalent to this test method.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E473 Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis and Rheology
E617 Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E1142 Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Specific technical terms used in this test method are defined in Terminologies E473 and E1142. including
Celsius,Kelvin, and thermogravimetric analyzer.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The mass signal generated by a thermogravimetric analyzer is compared to the mass of a reference material traceable to a
national reference laboratory. A linear correlation using two calibration points is used to relate the mass (or weight) signal
generated by the thermogravimetric analyzer and that of the reference material.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method calibrates or demonstrates conformity of thermogravimetric apparatus at ambient conditions. Most
thermogravimetry analysis experiments are carried out under temperature ramp conditions or at isothermal temperatures distant
from ambient conditions. This test method does not address the temperature effects on mass calibration.
5.2 In most thermogravimetry experiments, the mass change is reported as weight percent in which the observed mass at any
time during the course of the experiment is divided by the original mass of the test specimen. This method of reporting results
assumes that the mass scale of the apparatus is linear with increasing mass. In such cases, it may be necessary only to confirm the
performance of the instrument by comparison to a suitable reference.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E37 on Thermal Measurements and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E37.01 on Calorimetry
and Mass Loss.
Current edition approved March 15, 2014Dec. 1, 2019. Published April 2014December 2019. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20082014
as E2040 – 08.E2040 – 08 (2014). DOI: 10.1520/E2040-08R14.10.1520/E2040-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the website www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume
information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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E2040 − 19
5.3 When the actual mass of the test specimen is recorded, the use of a calibration factor to correct the calibration of the
apparatus may be required, on rare occasions.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The essential equipment required to provide the minimum thermogravimetric analytical capability for this test method
includes the following:
6.1.1 Thermobalance, composed of a furnace; a temperature sensor; a balance to measure the specimen mass with a minimum
capacity within the range to be calibrated and a sensitivity of 61 μg; and a means of maintaining the specimen/container under
atmospheric control of the gas to be used at a purge rate between 10 mL/min to 100 6 5 mL/min.
NOTE 1—Excessive purge rates should be avoided as this may introduce noise due to buoyancy effects and temperature gradients.
6.1.2 Temperature Controller, capable of maintaining ambient temperature to within 61K.
6.1.3 A Data Collection Device, to provide a means of acquiring, storing, and displaying measured or calculated signals, or both.
The minimum output signals required for thermogravimetric analysis are mass, temperature, temperature (not used in this
measurand), and time.
6.1.4 Containers (pans, crucibles, etc.), which are inert to the specimen and which will remain gravimetrically stable.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 A Class 1 or better reference material of known mass, which ismass (see Specification E617traceable to a national standards
laboratory, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). ). Such mass reference materials are available from
most general laboratory equipment suppliers.
7.2 The mass of the reference material should correspond to the working range of the analysis. For most work, the mass
maximum should be 25 % to 50 % greater than the material being examined.
8. Calibration and Standardization
8.1
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