Microfilter crucible for TGA
Microfilter Crucible
The innovative microfilter crucible opens up new opportunities for thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of microplastics. The filter and sample carrier have been combined with one another in a single unit for the first time. Work steps that were otherwise necessary can then be omitted. This means that far less time is required and sample throughput is increased. In addition, potential risks of contamination and loss are minimized.
The microfilter crucible can be incorporated in TGA as a sample holder directly after the filtration step. Since it can handle temperatures of up to 600°C, the filter crucible is particularly suitable for determining microplastic contents. The general application area of the novel TGA crucible focuses on analysis of liquids with low particulate loads – for example testing of treated wastewater or quality control of water-based beverages.
The crucible uses GKD's innovative metallic filter fabric ODW 5 for filtration. The optimized dutch weave offers high selectivity at 5 µm together with an unprecedented flow rate. This fabric has already proven itself as an effective means for avoiding microplastics in waste water filtration applications.
Tailored specifically for TED-GC/MS
The TGA microfilter crucible is the result of the collaboration between GKD, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), and the German Federal Environmental Agency (UBA). The cooperation took place within the scope of the research projects entitled "Optimized materials and process for removing microplastics from the water cycle" (OEMP) and "Representative investigation strategies for an integrative system understanding of specific release of plastics into the environment" (RUSEKU) – each sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
With TED-GC/MS, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has developed a thermal process that can be used to detect microplastics in environmental samples both quickly and across different media. The goal here is to ensure that the effects of microplastics entering the environment, and the risks for humans and the environment associated with this, can be both investigated and assessed – using a uniform, fast, and practicable method of sample collection and analysis that allows results to be compared. The microfilter crucible from GKD makes a key contribution to this.
Technical details and services
- Material: stainless steel 1.4404/14301
- Volume: 150 µl
- Diameter: 10.8 mm–10.9 mm
- Height: 9.05 mm
- Temperature resistance: up to 600°C
