If you have plastic products, work with plastic components or even are building a prototype, you will, at one time or arranging for the conducting of test. The same applies when a process utilizing a polymer fails to produce the expected results. In some cases, to determine polymer characterization, the company may employ FTIR Testing.
What Does FTIR Stand For?
FTIR is short for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It is a common form of materials analysis and has been for more than 70 years. This type of infrared spectroscopy is the one many researchers prefer to use. It involves passing IR radiation through the sample of material provided for testing. During the process, the sample absorbs some of it while the rest passes or is transmitted through. The result is a spectrum representing these two aspects: absorption and transmission. This is called a molecular fingerprint. It is capable of providing researchers and manufacturers with various significant information.
What Information Can FTIR Provide?
FTIR testing is capable of furnishing a variety of valuable information. This includes:
* The identification of diverse unknown materials
* The quality of the material sample
* The consistency of the sample
* The number and/or amount of components in a combination or materials
While other methods may also provide such results, FTIR remains the choice of many in this field.
Why Choose FTIR?
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is not the only method of infrared spectral analysis. Two others are also available. These are dispersive and filter spectral analysis. FTIR retains its popularity for several reasons:
* Non-Destructive: The technique does not negatively impact the material
* Preciseness: The measurements it provides are extremely precise. There is no need to seek any external calibration
* Speed: The method performs its tasks in seconds and not minutes i.e. the Felgett Advantage
* Sensitivity: Using this method, sensitivity increases dramatically. With more sensitive detectors and fast scans, the results are decreased noise levels and high optical output i.e. the Jacquinot Advantage
* Mechanical Simplicity: The device has only one moving part – the moving mirror in the interferometer. This reduces substantially any potential breakdowns
* Internally Calibrated: The internal wavelength calibration standard is the HeNe laser producing the Connes Advantage. The result is eternal self-calibration
FTIR Testing: Beneficial for those Working with Polymers
FTIR analysis is a means of helping clients understand the qualities and characterization of their polymer materials and other components or products. Choosing a lab with FRIT expertise is a means of ensuring the analytical testing work will be performed correctly. With its ability to deliver quickly, efficiently and accurately, FTIR testing will continue to remain an industry favorite.