Shown in Figure 8 are the TGA
results generated on a sample of
polyethylene at heating rates ranging
from 1 to 40 C/min. As the heating
rate is increased, the onset of
decomposition is moved to higher
temperatures. This data can then be
analyzed using the PerkinElmer
TGA Decomposition Kinetics
Software. The kinetics analysis
provided by the software provides
valuable predictive information on
polymeric materials, including
lifetime estimations. Displayed in
Figure 9 are the isoconversion
curves, which presents the time to
achieve a particular level of
conversion as a function of
temperature. These are particularly
useful for product lifetime
assessments. If the desired level of
critical conversion is known, then
the time to achieve this critical level
at a particular operating or end use
temperature can be predicted.