{"id":"wpc-foundations30-article-023-en","slug":"wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga","locale":"en","url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga/","title":"SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA: what WPC analysis can reveal","answer":"Analytical methods reveal different aspects of a composite. They are most useful when combined with a clear question and mechanical or durability measurements.","author":"NFC & WPC Knowledge Reference","faqIds":[],"tagIds":[],"noindex":false,"related":["wpc-foundations30-article-020-en","wpc-foundations30-article-021-en","wpc-foundations30-article-022-en"],"version":1,"modified":"2026-10-16","reviewer":"","sections":[{"id":"match-the-instrument-to-the-question","text":"Luffa/epoxy and epoxy-coated WPC investigations used combinations of these tools to study treatment or interface effects. Their use illustrates the value of matching structural observations to the specific material system. [R12,R13]\n\nSee the comparison table below for match the instrument to the question.","heading":"Match the instrument to the question","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga/#match-the-instrument-to-the-question"},{"id":"interpret-thermal-data-cautiously","text":"The temperature at the maximum mass-loss rate in TGA is not the permissible continuous service temperature. Heat-deflection temperature, thermal conductivity and dimensional change are separate characteristics requiring appropriate measurement. Likewise, lignin's glass transition is not one universal number that can be copied into every WPC datasheet.\n\nResearch on orange-wood-fibre/PP composites investigated thermal behaviour and crystallinity. It demonstrates the need to consider the reinforcement and polymer together when interpreting a thermal result.","heading":"Interpret thermal data cautiously","references":[3],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga/#interpret-thermal-data-cautiously"},{"id":"build-a-persuasive-failure-investigation","text":"Begin with the observed problem: cracking, excessive movement, delamination or inconsistent appearance. Compare an affected sample with a retained control and record sampling locations. Use analysis to test a hypothesis, then connect the findings to process records and performance testing.\n\nA smooth-looking fracture surface is not conclusive proof of good adhesion, and a new FTIR peak does not quantify load transfer. The strongest explanation brings together observations that independently support the same conclusion.","heading":"Build a persuasive failure investigation","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga/#build-a-persuasive-failure-investigation"},{"id":"evidence-scope","text":"[1] Experimental study; full text consulted.\n\n[2] Experimental study; publisher abstract and accessible excerpts.\n\n[3] Experimental study.","heading":"Evidence and source scope","references":[1,2,3],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-analysis-sem-ftir-dsc-tga/#evidence-scope"}],"seoTitle":"SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA: what WPC analysis can reveal","topicIds":[],"published":"2026-10-16","tableText":"Method | Typical question\nSEM | What do the fracture surface, pores or exposed fibres look like?\nFTIR | Which chemical-group signatures or changes are detectable?\nDSC | What thermal transitions or crystallization events occur?\nTGA | How does sample mass change during a defined heating programme?","takeaways":"","aiAssisted":true,"categoryId":"wpc-foundations30-category-performance-testing","reviewedAt":"","change_note":"Converted from the referenced English foundations collection. General technical information and editorial specification guidance; not product certification.","description":"Understand SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA in composite investigation, including porosity, chemical changes, crystallization and thermal-degradation interpretation.","heroImageId":"","referenceIds":["wpc-foundations30-ref-r12","wpc-foundations30-ref-r13","wpc-foundations30-ref-r53"],"review_status":"AI-assisted English article. Human technical review has not been recorded.","table_caption":"These methods support interpretation; none alone certifies a finished board.","seoDescription":"Understand SEM, FTIR, DSC and TGA in composite investigation, including porosity, chemical changes, crystallization and thermal-degradation interpretation.","translationGroup":"wpc-foundations30-023-2026","references":[{"url":"https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/fabrication-characterization-and-evaluation-of-luffa-cylindrica-fiber-reinforced-epoxy-composites/","type":"web","title":"Fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of Luffa cylindrica fiber reinforced epoxy composites; Saw et al. (2013)","noindex":false,"accessed":"2026-10-15","seoTitle":"Fabrication, characterization, and evaluation of Luffa cylindrica fiber reinforced epoxy composites; Saw et al. (2013)","publisher":"bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu","description":"Experimental study; full text consulted","seoDescription":"Experimental study; full text consulted"},{"url":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266353824000046","type":"web","title":"Improving interfacial bonding strength between epoxy and PE-based wood plastic composites by micro-riveting; Chen et al. (2024)","noindex":false,"accessed":"2026-10-15","seoTitle":"Improving interfacial bonding strength between epoxy and PE-based wood plastic composites by micro-riveting; Chen et al. (2024)","publisher":"www.sciencedirect.com","description":"Experimental study; publisher abstract and accessible excerpts","seoDescription":"Experimental study; publisher abstract and accessible excerpts"},{"url":"https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/orange-wood-fiber-reinforced-polypropylene-composites-thermal-properties/","type":"web","title":"Orange wood fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: Thermal properties","noindex":false,"accessed":"2026-10-15","seoTitle":"Orange wood fiber reinforced polypropylene composites: Thermal properties","publisher":"bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu","description":"Experimental study","seoDescription":"Experimental study"}],"faqs":[]}