Meaning
International testing standard establishes the general principles for the thermogravimetry of polymers. Application of ISO 11358-1 involves heating a polymer sample in a controlled atmosphere while continuously measuring its mass. This analysis provides quantitative data regarding the thermal stability, decomposition temperature, and filler content of the polymer compound.
Measurement Protocol
Thermal analysis requires precision instruments and calibrated microbalances to generate reliable curves. Procedures outlined in ISO 11358-1 demand careful sample preparation, typically using a few milligrams of the resin placed in an alumina or platinum pan. The instrument ramps the temperature from ambient to over eight hundred degrees Celsius.
This controlled heating reveals the temperatures at which mass loss occurs, indicating moisture loss, polymer degradation, or filler calcination.
Polymer Degradation
Interpreting the weight loss curve allows material scientists to determine resin quality and identify contaminants. Measurements conducted in accordance with ISO 11358-1 can differentiate between virgin and recycled polymer resins by observing the decomposition profile. Additives such as carbon black or glass fibers remain in the pan after the polymer matrix burns off, providing an accurate measure of reinforcement concentration.
This makes the method indispensable for quality control in compounding and recycling operations.
Resin Verification
Comparing test results against raw material data sheets ensures consistency across molding runs. Molders use ISO 11358-1 to verify that incoming material batches contain the correct ratio of polymer to filler. Inconsistent compound ratios can cause injection molding defects such as warp or erratic shrinkages during production.
