Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis is a powerful laboratory technique used to identify and characterize a wide variety of materials based on their unique infrared absorption patterns. EMSL Analytical provides FTIR analysis and testing services to help clients identify unknown substances, evaluate polymers and plastics, investigate contaminants, characterize materials, and troubleshoot manufacturing or product-quality concerns.
FTIR spectroscopy can provide valuable information about the chemical composition and molecular structure of a sample. When infrared energy interacts with a material, specific chemical bonds absorb infrared radiation at characteristic frequencies. The resulting spectrum creates a molecular “fingerprint” that can be compared with reference spectra and other analytical information to assist with material identification.
What Is FTIR Analysis?
Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, commonly referred to as FTIR, measures how a sample absorbs infrared radiation across a range of wavelengths. Different chemical functional groups produce characteristic absorption bands, allowing laboratory analysts to evaluate the molecular composition of a material.
FTIR testing is particularly useful for identifying organic materials, polymers, coatings, adhesives, oils, residues and many other substances.
Depending on the sample and testing objective, FTIR analysis may be used independently or together with complementary analytical techniques to provide a more complete understanding of an unknown material.
What Can FTIR Testing Identify?
FTIR analysis can be used to investigate many types of materials and contaminants, including:
FTIR is especially valuable when a client needs to determine what an unknown material may be or compare an unknown sample with a known reference material.
Polymer and Plastic Identification by FTIR
One of the most common applications of FTIR spectroscopy is polymer identification.
Many plastics and polymeric materials produce distinctive infrared spectra that can assist in differentiating materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, acrylics and other polymers.
FTIR polymer analysis can help manufacturers, engineers, consultants and quality-control professionals investigate raw materials, finished products, production failures, contamination and material substitutions.
Testing may also help determine whether two materials are chemically similar or whether an unexpected substance is present in a product or process.
Unknown Material Identification
Finding an unidentified residue, particle, film, deposit or foreign material can create significant questions during manufacturing, building investigations, product evaluations and contamination events.
FTIR analysis can be an important part of an unknown-material identification investigation.
The infrared spectrum generated from a sample can be evaluated against known reference spectra to help determine the likely chemical family or identity of the material.
For complex unknowns, FTIR may be combined with other analytical techniques to provide additional information about the sample.
Contamination and Failure Investigations
Unexpected contamination can affect product quality, manufacturing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
FTIR testing may help determine whether a contaminant is associated with:
Identifying the composition of a contaminant can help investigators narrow down potential sources and determine appropriate corrective actions.
FTIR for Manufacturing and Quality Control
Manufacturers frequently need analytical testing to verify incoming materials, investigate production problems and evaluate product consistency.
FTIR testing can support:
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Raw material verification
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Supplier material comparisons
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Quality-control investigations
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Product failure analysis
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Manufacturing troubleshooting
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Competitive material comparisons
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Contamination investigations
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Material compatibility studies
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Research and development
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Product formulation investigations
Comparing FTIR spectra from known and unknown samples can provide useful evidence when determining whether materials are chemically similar.
Industries That Use FTIR Analysis
Fourier Transform Infrared testing is used across numerous industries, including:
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Plastics and polymers
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Manufacturing
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Automotive
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Aerospace
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Electronics
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Construction
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Environmental consulting
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Pharmaceutical
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Medical devices
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Consumer products
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Packaging
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Coatings and adhesives
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Chemical manufacturing
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Food and beverage
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Research and development
FTIR's versatility makes it an important analytical tool for organizations that need rapid information about the identity or composition of materials.
FTIR and Complementary Analytical Techniques
Some material-identification projects require more than one analytical method.
Depending on the sample and project objectives, FTIR analysis may be complemented by techniques such as:
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Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
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Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
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X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
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X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
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Optical microscopy
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Raman spectroscopy
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Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
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ICP analysis
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Particle characterization
Using multiple analytical techniques can provide information about both the organic and inorganic components of complex samples.
Why Choose EMSL for FTIR Analysis and Testing?
EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing and material characterization services for industrial, commercial, environmental and product investigations.
Clients turn to EMSL for analytical support involving unknown materials, polymers, contaminants, residues and product-quality concerns.
Our laboratory professionals can help determine an appropriate analytical approach based on the sample type and the information needed from the investigation.
Submit a Sample for FTIR Testing
If you need to identify an unknown material, investigate contamination, characterize a polymer or evaluate a product, Fourier Transform Infrared analysis may provide valuable information.
Contact EMSL Analytical to discuss your FTIR testing requirements, sample type and project objectives.
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