I had prepared a sol gel solution and spin coated. I wanted to see the mass loss of the material I synthesized with temperature. I did TGA but it justt gave me a flat line. How do I interpret?
What is the temperature range you set for your analysis? What is the material synthesized through sol-gel? Oxides tend to show extremely high temperature resistance. It is possible that the maximum temperature you set for the analysis is too low for any degradation to be observed. You should try increasing the final temperature.
To be honest flat line indicates that there is no transition or any other useful information
Had it been through a previous temperature cycle process? You might have driven all the volatile compounds out. What was the temperature range you measured it over that you are calling flat line? If you are looking at only the high temperature then you might have missed something. Did it loose some mass prior to going flat line at typical physabsorbed water temperatures, Normally on a porous or semi-porous material there is some surface water lost that can be observed. Have you checked you equipment my running a known standard? Was the sample size to large and you are out of range for the electronics?
I think that by using spin coating, the thickness of the film is very small (a few nanometer for each layer). thus you cannot get any information. As you know you need certain mass of sample to do TGA or DTA analysis. Therefore you need thick film (at least more than 300 nm). Try to deposit several layers to increase the thickness of the film.
Dear Sunil,
Regarding the flat line you have noticed, i am afraid if you have subjected your sample to the right temperature capable of inducing thermal degradation or transition. Try varying the temperature to which you subject your sample.
Another important factor to note is that spin coating deposits thin layer on your substrate, therefore the coating should reach certain thickness to enable it undergo thermal transition. Hence, i recommend you increase the thickness of your coating and rerun the TGA and possibly DTA as well.
Best of Luck
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