Typical Applications of FTIR

• Contamination detection
• Raw material testing
• Measurement of layers by specular and diffuse reflection
• Atmospheric Sampling using a portable unit

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Contaminant Particle Identification and Elimination

Principle

FTIR relies on the fact that the most molecules absorb light in the infra-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum, this absorption corresponds specifically to the bonds present in the molecule.

The sample is irradiated by a broad spectrum of infra-red light and the level of absorbance at a particular frequency is plotted after fourier transforming the data. The resulting spectrum is characteristic of the organic molecules present in the sample.

In addition to “standard” transmission FTIR we also have the following sample handling capabilities:

• Horizontal ATR – attenuated total reflectance. Allows measurement of aqueous solutions, elastic and viscous samples which are difficult to grind
• Specular reflectance – allows measurement of thin films on metals
• KBr Discs – allow suspension of powders in IR transparent KBr so they may be analysed
• Gas cells – This may be used for FTIR analysis of a gaseous sample (e.g. headspace analysis or environmental monitoring)
• Solution cells – for measuring liquid sample in transmission mode

Features of Laboratory’s FTIR Capability

FTIR Instrument - Nicolet Impact 410 FTIR spectrophotometer

• 600 to 4000 wavenumbers
• Used for the identification and quantification of organic species. Is capable of ultra trace organic analysis, e.g. for contamination on surfaces
• Omnic Software including spectral search facilities

Our site expert on FTIR is Alan Wicks.

Please contact us to discuss how your requirements can be met using this or any of our analytical techniques. We can issue no-obligation quotations once we have discussed your needs and can offer two levels of service “urgent” and “normal”. We also offer preferential rates for longer term analysis contracts. Click here to find out more.

Trace Silicone Oils on Gun Parts (Above)

Trace Plasticizer on Hard Drive Parts