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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Quantitative Analysis by Thermogravimetry-Mass Spectrum Analysis for Reactions with Evolved Gases
Published on: October 29, 2018
[A study on thermal decomposition mechanism and quality analysis of pearl powder]
1Henan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhenghou 450003, Henan, China.
Objective:
To establish a rapid and convenient method for distinguishing genuine from sham of pearl powder as well as appraising its quality preliminarily.
Method:
Thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry.
Result:
The TG and DTG curves can be divided into two characteristic regions. The first step ranges from 250 to 380 degrees C with a weight loss of about 3%, resulting from the denaturalization and decomposition of organic matter in the powder; and the second step from 600 to 780 degrees C with a weight loss of about 40% resulting from the decomposition of calcium carbonate in the powder.
Conclusion:
According to the two characteristic regions on TG and DTG curves along with corresponding parameters, pearl powder can be appropriately authenticated. Being related directly to the contents of organic matter in pearl powder, the first step is an important criterion for quality appraisal.

