What this workflow helps you do
Analyze thermogravimetric mass-loss steps together with the derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) curve. NotyPlot uses the derivative to help resolve loss events and reports step ranges, DTG peak temperatures and residual mass for review.
Use this workflow when
- Finding major mass-loss stages in TGA data.
- Using DTG to separate or clarify overlapping decomposition steps.
- Comparing thermal mass-loss behavior across samples measured under similar conditions.
What you need before you start
- TGA data with temperature and mass or mass-percentage values.
- Correct mass normalization and temperature direction.
- Relevant atmosphere, heating rate and sample conditions for interpretation.
Step-by-step workflow
- Import the TGA dataset and verify temperature and mass columns and units.
- Inspect the starting mass or normalization and confirm that the mass curve is physically plausible.
- Run thermal analysis to calculate the DTG curve and detect mass-loss steps.
- Review each step range, mass-loss percentage and DTG peak temperature against the original mass curve.
- Inspect the residual mass and check whether small or overlapping events were missed or merged.
- Report reviewed mass-loss intervals and residual mass with the test conditions and any smoothing used for derivative review.
What to review in the result
- DTG features coincide with real slope changes in the mass curve.
- Mass-loss percentages are based on the intended starting mass or normalization.
- Residual mass is plausible for the sample and test endpoint.
- Minor events near the noise floor are not over-interpreted.
Before you report or export
- State atmosphere and heating rate when comparing or interpreting decomposition temperatures.
- Keep the original mass curve visible alongside DTG.
- Do not assign chemical reactions solely from mass-loss temperature without sample context or complementary evidence.
Limitations and interpretation
- Differentiation amplifies noise, so DTG shape depends on signal quality and smoothing.
- Overlapping reactions may appear as shoulders or merged derivative peaks.
- The automatic threshold may not capture very small mass-loss events.