Program rates, resolution enhancement

Resolution in programmed temperature GC is enhanced if the programming rate (rr/F) is decreased and if the initial temperature (T) is decreased. Giddings [606] suggested that the first peak in a programmed analysis should not appear within about five times the hold-up volume of the column. Since the temperature has little effect on the selectivity in GC (see section 3.1.1), the optimization of temperature programs is a process that may be seen as resolution optimization rather than as selectivity optimization. 

Optimization of the primary parameters of the gradient program may only lead to sufficient separation if the selectivity is sufficiently large. If the a values between one or more pairs of solutes are low, resolution may be enhanced by a reduction of the programming rate and by increasing the number of plates. However, this will be at the expense of increased analysis times and the resolution will never be better than under constant elution conditions. 

Such a differential heating program leads to increased sensitivity and resolution in TGA but also to a much increased time-frame for the analysis. Dynamic rate TG appears to have addressed both of these features and hence has much potential as a high resolution/ rapid thermal analysis system, which, unlike SCTA, can be applied for rapid and reproducible thermal analysis of a wide range of complex materials. Finally, modulated temperature thermogravimetrie analysis has enhanced potential for the kinetic analysis of thermal decomposition reactions over conventional TGA because of its greater resolution of thermal events. 

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