FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy)

The FTIR instrument sends infrared radiation of about 10,000 to 100 cm -1  through a sample, with some radiation absorbed and some passed through.  The absorbed radiation is converted into rotational and/or vibrational energy by the sample molecules.  The resulting signal at the detector presents as a spectrum, typically from 4000 cm -1  to 400cm -1 , representing a molecular fingerprint of the sample.

Each molecule or chemical structure will produce a unique spectral fingerprint, making FTIR analysis a great tool for chemical identification.

• Identify and characterize unknown materials (e.g., films, solids, powders, or liquids)
• Identify contamination on or in a material (e.g., particles, fibers, powders, or liquids)
• Identify additives after extraction from a polymer matrix
• Identify oxidation, decomposition, or uncured monomers in failure analysis investigations