A novel multielemental scanning thermal analysis (MESTA) method for the identification and characterization of solid substances.
Identification and characterization of solid samples has been relatively difficult due to the limited separation techniques available. Reported here is the development of a multielemental scanning thermal analysis (MESTA) method that provides a simple, rapid, and sensitive alternative for routine examination of solid samples. A MESTA system heats up a sample in an enclosed quartz tube from ambient to 800 degree C at a constant heating rate and under a given atmosphere. The volatile components in the sample are carried to a high-temperature combustion tube where the C, N, and S are oxidized to their respective oxides and detected by the detectors. The result is the simultaneous C, N, and S thermograms of a sample that can be used as chemical signatures for identification and characterization purposes. Sample heating rate, oxygen content of the carrier gas, and the possible interactions among the ingredients of a sample would all affect the outcome of an analysis. These effects need to be understood for a specific application. The general instrumentation, technique, usefulness, and interpretation of the MESTA are presented with examples. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the MESTA make it a promising tool for routine chemical analysis of solid substances.
Hsieh
Yuch-Ping
YP
Florida A&M University, Wetland Ecology Program, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA. yhsieh@famu.edu
D003545:Cysteine / Q000032:analysis; D003553:Cystine / Q000032:analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D018605:Spontaneous Combustion; D013816:Thermodynamics; D013817:Thermography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D003553:Cystine; D003545:Cysteine