FTIR Examples
Example
#1:
Two parts made of polypropylene were submitted for analysis... One "Good"
part and one "Bad" part.
Problem: The part labeled "Bad" cracked in its service environment
and had a slightly different look than the "Good" part.
Analysis: The two materials were compared using FTIR techniques.
Although the two spectra look nearly identical, take a closer look near
725 cm-1.
There
is an additional band contributed by a long chain hydrocarbon polymer.
Conclusion: Spectral subtraction of the "Bad" part from the
"Good" part yielded a relatively decent spectrum of polyethylene,
which contributed to the elasticity of the material.
Example #2
Three samples of Teflon tubing were submitted for analysis...
Problem: In tubing form the three most common grades of Teflon (FEP,
PFA and PTFE) have a similar appearance. The customer needed to know
which grade they had, and they needed fast turnaround.
Analysis: The three materials were compared using FTIR-ATR techniques.
The samples were compared against the reference spectra of three known
grades (FEP, PFA and PTFE) of Teflon.
Since
the three grades are all fluoropolymers, the major bands all appear
similar. If we take a closer look at the Bands near 1000 cm-1.
we
can easily see that the three grades are different.
Conclusion: All three samples submitted were Teflon PTFE, and the analyses
were completed within hours of receiving the samples.
Of note: Since the ATR techniques are usually non-destructive, sample
preparation is minimal allowing same-day-service. The undamaged parts
can then be returned.
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