Thermochemical Analysis of Biomass and Polymers

Thermochemical analysis encompasses techniques that probe the response of biomass feedstocks and synthetic polymers to controlled heating programmes, revealing insights into composition, thermal stability and reaction pathways. Methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), often combined as simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), quantify mass changes and heat flows during decomposition, melting and phase transitions. Coupling these techniques with evolved gas analysis (EGA)—by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) or mass spectrometry (MS)—enables real-time identification of gaseous products, facilitating mechanistic elucidation. In biomass research, such analyses illuminate pyrolysis behaviour of lignocellulosic, algal and waste materials, guiding optimised conversion to biofuels, biochar or syngas. In polymer science, thermal analysis supports the design of heat-resistant materials, assesses degradation mechanisms for recycling or end-of-life evaluation, and informs kinetic modelling. Together, these approaches underpin the development of sustainable energy technologies, circular materials management and environmental monitoring, offering a global pathway towards carbon-neutral processes.

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Thermochemical Analysis of Biomass and Polymers publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in thermochemical analysis of biomass and polymers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA): Measurement of mass change in a sample as temperature increases.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC): Measurement of heat flow associated with transitions in a material under controlled heating.

Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA): Combined TGA and DSC in a single experiment to record mass and heat flow concurrently.

Evolved gas analysis (EGA): Technique for analysing gases released during thermal decomposition, typically by coupling to a detector.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR): Infrared method for identifying molecular vibrations and gas species based on absorption spectra.

Mass spectrometry (MS): Analytical technique that identifies species by mass-to-charge ratio of ionised fragments.

References

1. A novel direct coupling of simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2013).
2. On-Line Thermally Induced Evolved Gas Analysis: An Update—Part 1: EGA-MS. Molecules (2022).
3. On-Line Thermally Induced Evolved Gas Analysis: An Update—Part 2: EGA-FTIR. Molecules (2022).