Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy – FTIR

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is an optical analytical method used to detect the presence of organic and polymeric substances in solid, liquid, and gaseous samples. By creating an infrared absorption spectrum, it can recognise the chemical connections within a molecule. High-resolution spectral data are concurrently collected over a broad spectral range by an FTIR spectrometer.

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is an analysis technique used for identifying compounds and their molecular structure based on the absorption of infrared radiation at specific wavelengths. The molecules in any given compound will tend to absorb infrared radiation at specific frequencies, which correspond to specific types of chemical bonds.

When the FTIR analysis technique is applied, the sample under analysis will be subjected to infrared radiation, and the absorbed radiation will be recorded in the time domain. This recorded data will then be mathematically transformed into the frequency domain, which is referred to as the spectrum, using the Fourier Transformation method.

The FTIR analysis technique has been widely used for the identification of unknown compounds, tracing contaminants, and understanding the structure of polymers, organic compounds, and complex molecules.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

FTIR is also a remarkably versatile technique, allowing us to investigate a wide range of materials and samples. It is a useful technique that can be utilized to identify chemicals and determine the composition of various materials, regardless of their state or composition.

FTIR is usually utilized to investigate various conditions, such as:
– Solids
– Liquids
– Gases
– Organic chemicals
– Inorganic chemicals
– Polymers and plastics
– Coatings and thin films

Most of the investigations are conducted in the mid-infrared region, ranging from 4000 cm⁻¹ to 50 cm⁻¹, with a possibility of entering the near-infrared region depending on the settings of the device.

Applications

Identification of unknown chemical compounds
Functional group analysis
Polymer characterization
Contamination and impurity detection
Quality control of materials
Failure analysis and material verification
Coating and thin film analysis

Benefits

Rapid and non-destructive testing method
Minimal sample preparation required
High sensitivity for molecular identification
Applicable to solids, liquids, and gases
Provides unique molecular fingerprint spectra
Suitable for complex organic materials and polymers
Enables fast comparison with spectral databases

Test Process

Sample Preparation

The sample is prepared based on its physical form such as solid, liquid, powder, or film.

IR Radiation Exposure

The sample is exposed to infrared radiation, and molecular bonds absorb specific IR frequencies.

Interferogram Collection & Fourier Transformation

The instrument records the signal as an interferogram and converts it into a frequency spectrum using Fourier Transformation.

Spectral Analysis

The obtained spectrum is compared with reference libraries to identify compounds and functional groups.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Spectral Range	Typically 4000 cm⁻¹ to 50 cm⁻¹
Analysis Type	Qualitative and quantitative molecular analysis
Sample Types	Solids, liquids, gases, powders, films
Output Format	IR spectrum showing % transmission or absorbance vs wavenumber (cm⁻¹)
Identification Method	Comparison with reference spectral databases

Instrumentation Used for Testing

FTIR spectrometer
Infrared radiation source
Michelson interferometer
Sample holders and accessories
ATR crystal or transmission cells (depending on technique)
Detector system
Computer with spectral database software
Data processing and analysis software

Results and Deliverables

FTIR spectrum of the sample
Identification of functional groups
Molecular fingerprint analysis
Compound identification report
Contamination or impurity detection results
Spectral matching reports

Why Choose Infinita Lab for FTIR?

Infinita Lab offers comprehensive FTIR testing services, a Comprehensive lab network, project management, confidentiality, and rapid turnaround. Trust Infinita Lab for your material testing needs, Faster test results, cost savings, and reduced administrative workload.

Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

It is an analytical technique used to identify and characterize chemical compounds based on their molecular vibrations.

FTIR spectra reveal the composition of solids, liquids, and gases. They are most commonly used to identify unknown materials and confirm production materials.

FTIR works on the absorption principle of an infrared light source on the sample.

FTIR spectrometers have several components that work together to produce a spectrum. The essential elements include a source, sample compartment, interferometer, detector, computer, and accessories.

FTIR spectroscopy has the advantages of dispersive IR spectroscopy: high spectral quality, high data collection speed, easy maintenance and use, and high data reproducibility.