FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-red Spectroscopy) is a sensitive technique particularly for identifying organic chemicals in a whole range of applications although it can also characterise some inorganics. Examples include paints, adhesives, resins, polymers, coatings and drugs. It is a particularly useful tool in isolating and characterising organic contamination.

 

Applications of FTIR

 

• Identification of simple mixtures of organic and inorganic compounds both as solids or liquids.
• Identification of polymers and polymer blends.
• Indirect verification of trace organic contaminants on surfaces.
• Routine qualitative & quantitative FTIR Analysis.
• Thin film analysis.
• Analysis of adhesives, coatings and adhesion promoters or coupling agents.
• Small visible particle chemical analysis.
• Analysis of stains and surface blemishes remnant fromcleaning and degreasing processes combined with optical microscopy, SEM/EDX, XPS and SIMS techniques.
• Analysis of resins, composite materials and release films .
• Solvent extractions of leachables or contaminants, plasticisers, mould release agents and weak boundary layers coupled with XPS surface chemical analysis techniques.
• Identification of rubbers and filled rubbers.
• Determination of degrees of crystallinity in polymers (eg LDPE and HDPE).
• Compararive chain lengths in organics.
• Extent of thermal, UV or other degredation or depolymerisation of polymers and paint coatings.
• Analysis of a gaseous samples using a gas cell for headspace analysis or environmental monitoring.
• Analysis of unknown solvents, cleaning agents and detergents