FTIR Microscopy and High Magnification ATR-FTIR
FTIR Microscopy at LPD Lab Services extends the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry capability particularly for identifying organic chemicals and materials to smaller samples and features in a whole range of applications, but can also characterise some inorganics. The laboratory FTIR Microscope incorporates a number of unique tools including microATR analysis of samples in the region of 50-100um as well as transmission and reflectance FTIR on small organic samples.
Example uses include paints, adhesives, resins, polymers, fibres, coatings and drugs. It is a particularly useful tool in isolating and characterising organic contamination.
Typical Applications of FTIR Microscopy and Micro-ATR FTIR
- Analysis of adhesives, coatings and adhesion promoters or coupling agents.
- Small microscopic particle chemical analysis.
- Analysis of plastic pipe and fittings to diagnose SSC or chemical attack.
- Analysis of stains and surface blemishes remnant from cleaning and degreasing processes combined with optical microscopy, SEM/EDX, XPS, SIMS and pyrolysis GCMS techniques.
- Check for poor mixing and curing of 2 pack resins in adhesives and composite materials.
- Analysis of localised contaminants to diagnose the cause of paint coating blistering.
- Analysis of unknown solvents, cleaning agents and detergents.
- Localised degradation and oxidation of polymers and rubbers.
- Analysis of tiny contaminants in pharmaceutical APIs.
- Contaminant particles in blood products.
- Contaminant particles in WFI water for injection.
- Contaminant polymer particles in a moulded component.
- Identifying specific fibres or particles in an inhalable dust.
- Microplastics in freshwater, sea water, soil and wastewater with pyrolysis GCMS.
- Checks for localised antiseptic chemical products and wipes Attack of rubbers and plastics in hospitals and the medical device industry.
- Analysis of spots of organic and grease contaminants on plastic and paint coatings.
- Cross-sectional analysis and imaging of different primer, top coat and clearcoat paint layers looking for missing layers, interface contaminants combined with SEM/EDX of filler materials.
- Checks for single or 2 phase polymer blends or phase segregation.
