What Are the Key Material Properties of Heat Analysis Crucibles?

A crucible’s material determines its heat stability, chemical resistance, and overall performance in lab instruments. Some options work better for repeated high-temperature or corrosive tests.

The main material properties for heat analysis crucibles include thermal conductivity, resistance to oxidation, melting point, and chemical inertness. Choosing platinum, aluminum, or ceramics based on your sample improves the quality of every result.

Material	Max Operating Temp (°C)	Thermal Conductivity	Oxidation Resistance	Chemical Inertness
Platinum	1650	Very High	Excellent	Excellent
Aluminum	660	High	Good	Moderate
Ceramic	Up to 1750	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent
Stainless Steel	1200	Moderate	Good	Good

 

How Does the Size and Shape of a Crucible Affect Thermal Analysis?

Lab equipment needs crucibles that fit well and support even heating. Size or shape issues can change the way heat flows, changing the real measurement data.

Consistent size ensures repeatability. A matching shape prevents contact loss, promotes even heat distribution, and keeps sample evaporation and degradation under control. Engineers use these factors to avoid errors during analysis and calibration (thermal analysis).

Shape Type	Sample Volume (mL)	Effect on Analysis	Best Use Case
Flat (Shallow)	0.05–0.5	Faster thermal response, less gradient	DSC for polymers, thin films
Deep (Tall)	0.5–2.0	Slower heating, reduced spillage	TGA, organic samples prone to splatter
Conical	0.1–1.0	Uniform exposure, easy sample recovery	High-precision mass loss
Custom	Up to 5.0	Tailored to instrument chamber, special needs	Complex equipment setups

 

The Importance of Precision Tolerances in Heat Analysis Crucibles

Minor differences in crucible size create big problems for measurement consistency. Precision tolerances mean the allowed difference from the intended size and shape.

Heat analysis crucibles with tight tolerances fit exactly in their holders. That prevents movement, improves calibration, and stops measurement errors. Producers use quality control and digital measurement tools to keep all units within accepted values for laboratory accuracy (engineering tolerance).

Tolerance Parameter	Standard Lab Range	Effect of Deviation	Industry Example
Diameter	±0.01 mm	Loose fit, heat loss, sample leak	Precise DSC analysis for pharma
Height	±0.02 mm	Poor seal, unstable readings	Battery test fixtures
Wall Thickness	±0.005 mm	Heat transfer error	Polymer melt point studies
Weight	±0.1%	Data drift over time	Routine QC with robots

 

How to Choose the Right Crucible for High-Temperature Testing?

Selecting a crucible for high-temperature work means focusing on resistance to thermal stress and chemical attack. Wrong choices can cause melting, oxidation, or unreliable results.

Choose platinum for the best performance in repeated tests above 1000°C, or ceramics for both strength and chemical resistance. Always check the certified temperature for each material and assess your sample’s risk of reacting with the crucible metal (platinum; ceramic). This keeps instruments safe and data accurate, especially when running TGA or DTA at extreme conditions.

Material	Max Temp (°C)	Oxidation Resistance	Cost	Best Use
Platinum	1650	Excellent	High	Repeated high-temp analysis
Ceramic	1750	Excellent	Medium	Corrosive or oxidizing samples
Stainless Steel	1200	Good	Medium	General lab and TGA
Aluminum	660	Moderate	Low	Routine DSC below 600°C