2.2.4. Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA)

Evolved gas analysis combining differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TG) (STA 449 F1 Jupiter apparatus from Netzsch GmbH, Selb, Germany) was conducted to determine the thermal decomposition of filters. Simultaneously, to the thermal decomposition of filters, the analysis of released gases took place using a mass spectrometer (QMS 403 Aeolos, from Netzsch GmbH, Selb, Germany). The measurements were carried out in synthetic air (10 cm3/min) at heating rate of 10 ◦C/min over a temperature range of 25–1200 ◦C. The QMS was operated with an electron impact ionizer with an energy of 70 eV. The mass/charge (*m*/*z*) ratio was recorded in the range 2–200 amu during the measurements. For the experiment purpose, the biopsy tool was used to cut circular shape from the filter. In the test, 3 of those shapes were measured stacked on each other. The initial total sample weight taken for experiment was approximately 6 mg.
