Qualitative technique for the identification of the molecular nature of materials such as rubbers and plastics.
Each organic material has its own infrared spectrum, determined by the vibrational modes of the atoms and their chemical surroundings in the molecule itself.
For example, materials that have absorbed water can be identified, such as highly hygroscopic polymers, or the nature of the material can be verified by the presence of identifying peaks in the “fingerprint” area.
In Plastlab you can get to the identification of the polymer matrix using libraries and through the study of the vibrational bands of the spectrum, with respect to the wave number and intensity of the signal. It is also possible to carry out studies on the development of oxidation/degradation.
“FT-IR” literally means “Fourier Transform Infrared”, therefore an analysis that includes the use of the Fourier Transform, a mathematical calculation performed directly by the instrument that allows you to convert the spectrum signal from intensity vs time to intensity vs frequency of vibration of the molecules.
The advantages are many, including time saving, as the radiation of all wavelengths is recorded simultaneously, so the measurement time is reduced to a few seconds, better signal/noise ratio, high precision of the numbers of constant wave and resolution.
Through the ATR technique, literally “Attenuated Total Reflectance”, it is also possible to test the material as it is or by taking a small portion from it and the use of crystals such as diamond for hard components such as thermoplastics and germanium for elastomeric materials. This technique is therefore rather advantageous as it involves the use of the material as it is and without additional specimen preparation costs.
Technique very often used simultaneously with other qualitative and quantitative techniques, i.e. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), to give as complete an answer as possible on the chemical characteristics of the material.
Test applicable in all fields and industrial sectors in which thermoplastics and elastomers are used.
The laboratory is able to perform the test under the conditions and requirements required by the international standard ASTM E573-1 – “Standard Practices for Internal Reflection Spectroscopy”.
