1.1 This test method describes the assessment of material thermal stability through the determination of the temperature at which the materials start to decompose or react and the extent of the mass change using thermogravimetry. The test method uses minimum quantities of material and is applicable over the temperature range from ambient to 800 °C.
1.2 The absence of reaction or decomposition is used as an indication of thermal stability in this test method under the experimental conditions used.
1.3 This test method may be performed on solids or liquids, which do not sublime or vaporize in the temperature range of interest.
1.4 This test method shall not be used by itself to establish a safe operating or storage temperature. It may be used in conjunction with other test methods (for example, Test Methods E487 and E537, and Guide E1981) as part of a hazard analysis of a material.
1.5 This test method is normally applicable to reaction or decomposition occurring in the range from room temperature to 800 °C. The temperature range may be extended depending on the instrumentation used.
1.6 This test method may be performed in an inert, a reactive or self-generated atmosphere.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2550-21 Referenced Document
ASTM E1142 Standard Terminology Relating to Thermophysical Properties
ASTM E1445 Standard Terminology Relating to Hazardous Potential of Chemicals
ASTM E1582 Standard Practice for Calibration of Temperature Scale for Thermogravimetry
ASTM E1981 Standard Guide for Assessing Thermal Stability of Materials by Methods of Accelerating Rate Calorimetry
ASTM E2040 Standard Test Method for Mass Scale Calibration of Thermogravimetric Analyzers
ASTM E473 Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Analysis
ASTM E487 Standard Test Method for Constant-Temperature Stability Of Chemical Materials
ASTM E537 Standard Test Method for Assessing the Thermal Stability of Chemicals By Methods of Thermal Analysis
ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
ASTM E967 Standard Practice for Temperature Calibration of Differential Scanning Calorimeters and Differential Thermal Analyzers
ASTM E2550-21 history
2021ASTM E2550-21 Standard Test Method for Thermal Stability by Thermogravimetry
2017ASTM E2550-17 Standard Test Method for Thermal Stability by Thermogravimetry
2011ASTM E2550-11 Standard Test Method for Thermal Stability by Thermogravimetry
2007ASTM E2550-07 Standard Test Method for Thermal Stability by Thermogravimetry