Thermogravimetric Study of the Dehydration Process of α-Cyclodextrin: Comparison Between Conventional and High Resolution TGA

The aim of resolving the several steps of alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) dehydration has been pursued, both by conventional (constant heating rate) and high-resolution TGA. It is shown that a careful selection of the experimental parameters (heating rate and resolution parameters) in both TGA modes leads to very similar results. In particular, it has been demonstrated that four steps can be resolved in the TGA curves. Stage 1 is due to surfacial water release. Stages 2 and 3 correspond to the water present in the interstices. Stage 4 individuates the water inside the alpha-CD cavity.