A Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) acts as a specialized stress test for raw materials, evaluating thermal stability by continuously monitoring the mass of banana fiber fabrics as they are heated in a controlled setting. This process identifies the precise temperature thresholds at which critical components like moisture, cellulose, and hemicellulose degrade, determining if the fabric can survive the rigorous heat of footwear molding.
The Core Insight TGA defines the "safe processing window" for natural fibers. By mapping exactly when the fiber begins to lose structural mass, manufacturers can calibrate their molding machinery to stay below these limits, preventing invisible structural damage during production.
The Mechanics of Thermal Analysis
Real-Time Mass Monitoring
The TGA weighs the banana fiber sample continuously as the temperature rises.
Because the instrument detects minute changes in weight, it provides a highly accurate timeline of decomposition. Any loss in mass corresponds directly to a specific component of the fiber breaking down or evaporating.
The Controlled Nitrogen Environment
The analysis is conducted within a nitrogen atmosphere.
This creates an inert environment that prevents the material from simply catching fire (combustion). Instead, it forces the material to undergo thermal decomposition, isolating how the fiber reacts to pure heat stress without the interference of oxidation.
Decoding the Degradation Stages
To evaluate stability, TGA breaks down the material's reaction into specific phases.
Stage 1: Moisture Evaporation
The first drop in mass typically occurs at lower temperatures.
This indicates the loss of water content absorbed by the hydrophilic banana fibers. Identifying this point helps manufacturers understand how much shrinkage or steam generation might occur during the initial heating phases of production.
Stage 2: Structural Breakdown
As temperatures climb higher, the TGA records the degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose.
These are the structural backbones of the fiber. When the TGA detects significant mass loss here, it signals that the fiber is losing its physical integrity. This data point is the absolute upper limit for any manufacturing process.
Application in Footwear Manufacturing
Assessing Molding Compatibility
Footwear manufacturing often involves high-temperature compression molding.
If the molding temperature exceeds the degradation point identified by the TGA, the internal structure of the banana fiber will collapse. The TGA confirms whether the fabric can withstand these specific industrial temperatures without becoming brittle or weak.
Optimizing Process Parameters
Data from the TGA allows engineers to fine-tune their equipment.
Rather than guessing, manufacturers can set molding temperatures just below the degradation threshold. This maximizes the efficiency of the cure cycle while ensuring the banana fiber retains its mechanical strength in the final shoe.
Understanding the Trade-offs
Stability vs. Insulation
It is critical to distinguish between thermal stability and thermal insulation.
TGA measures the material's ability to survive heat during manufacturing. It does not measure how well the material keeps a wearer's foot warm or cool. For wearer comfort and insulation performance, a different tool—such as a thermal insulation tester compliant with ISO 20344—is required.
Destructive Testing
TGA is a destructive analysis method.
The sample used for the test is effectively destroyed by the heat. Therefore, this is used for material characterization and quality control sampling, rather than testing finished products.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To ensure the success of your footwear line, apply the TGA data based on your specific engineering needs:
- If your primary focus is Manufacturing Safety: Use TGA to identify the degradation temperature of cellulose and set your molding equipment at least 10-15°C below this limit to prevent structural failure.
- If your primary focus is Material Selection: Use TGA to compare different batches of banana fiber; choose the batch with the highest hemicellulose degradation temperature for maximum processing durability.
- If your primary focus is Consumer Comfort: Do not rely on TGA; instead, utilize an ISO 20344 compliant tester to measure the thermal insulation properties of the final composite.
By utilizing TGA to define the thermal limits of your raw materials, you transform natural fiber processing from a variable risk into a controlled, predictable science.
Summary Table:
| TGA Analysis Phase | Primary Material Component | Temperature Range/Action | Manufacturing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Moisture & Volatiles | Low Temperature Evaporation | Predicts shrinkage & steam issues |
| Stage 2 | Hemicellulose & Cellulose | High Temperature Decomposition | Defines the absolute thermal limit |
| Environment | Nitrogen Gas | Inert Atmosphere | Prevents combustion for pure heat analysis |
| Outcome | Data Mapping | Safe Processing Window | Calibrates molding heat settings |
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References
- A feasibility study on use of banana fabrics in footwear production as upper material. DOI: 10.56042/ijftr.v48i4.7636
This article is also based on technical information from 3515 Knowledge Base .
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