FTIR Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy

Materials Analysis - Cleanliness Testing Lab

Innovatech Labs, Inc.
13805 First Ave. North
Suite 100
Plymouth, MN 55441

Phone (763) 231-0150
Fax (763) 231-0151
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Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analytical technique used to identify organic (and in some cases inorganic) materials. This technique measures the range of wavelengths in the infrared region that are absorbed by a material. These infrared absorption bands identify molecular components and structures. Absorption bands in the range of 4000 - 1500 wavenumbers are typically due to functional groups (e.g. -OH, C=O, N-H, CH3, etc.). The region between 1500 - 400 wavenumbers is referred to as the fingerprint region. Absorption bands in this region are generally due to intra-molecular phenomena, and are highly specific for each material. The specificity of these bands allow computerized data searches to be performed against reference libraries to identify a material.

The microscope attachment to the FTIR enables samples as small as 10 microns to be analyzed. Thin organic films on a reflective surface can be analyzed in situ using the microscope in the reflectance mode.

Unknown materials are identified by searching the FTIR spectrum against a database of reference spectra. Materials can be quantified using FTIR as long as a standard curve of known concentrations of the component of interest can be created.

Details of Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy

Contaminant on Molded Part

Comparison of Good and Failed Plastic Parts

Reverse Engineering of Multi-layered Bag Material

Determining Presence of Acrylic Additive in Concrete

• Identify unknown materials

particles, residues, films, fibers, etc

• Measure levels of oxidation or
degree of cure of polymers

• Quantify amounts of contaminants
or additives present in a material

• Identify constituents of a multi-
layered material

Contact us for more information.

Innovatech Labs offers a broad range of cleanliness testing, surface analytical techniques, organic spectroscopies, bulk testing methods, and consulting services. Contact us for more information.