Spectrum 3 MIR Spectrometer (FT-IR)

Applications

The Spectrum 3 FT-IR system can be used for a broad range of analytical tasks, including:

• Material identification
• Polymer and plastics analysis
• Quality control
• Failure analysis and troubleshooting
• Product development
• Materials research
• Environmental and emissions studies

By combining 3-bounce ATR, transmission measurements of thin films and KBr pellets, and EGA unit (Evolved Gas Analysis) coupled with TGA/DSC, the system provides a comprehensive platform for chemical and thermal characterization. This enables a deeper understanding of both material composition and behavior during thermal exposure, including the identification of gases released during decomposition.

ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance)

The instrument is equipped with a 3-bounce ATR crystal, providing increased interaction between the infrared radiation and the sample compared to conventional single-bounce ATR configurations. This can improve sensitivity when analyzing thin layers and weakly absorbing samples.

ATR requires minimal sample preparation and is particularly suitable for:

• Polymers and plastics
• Rubber and elastomers
• Coatings and surface analysis
• Composite materials
• Liquids, oils, and pastes
• Failure analysis and material identification

The technique provides rapid and reliable results and is well suited for both routine testing and advanced investigations.

Transmission Measurements

For samples requiring transmission analysis, the instrument is equipped with a slide holder for thin films and other IR-transparent materials.

Typical applications include:

• Polymer films
• Laminates and coatings
• Filter materials
• Other thin samples with sufficient infrared transmission

The system can also analyze samples prepared as KBr pellets (potassium bromide pellets). This well-established technique is particularly useful for powders and solid materials that are not ideally suited for direct ATR analysis and often provides excellent spectral quality.

Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) Coupled with TGA/DSC

The Spectrum 3 FT-IR is equiped with an Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA) unit that receives gases directly from our TGA/DSC system. This setup enables identification of volatile compounds and decomposition products released as a material is heated.

The combined analytical platform provides information on:

• Mass changes during heating (TGA)
• Endothermic and exothermic processes (DSC)
• Chemical identification of evolved gases (FT-IR)

By combining these techniques, it is possible to correlate thermal events and mass loss with the underlying chemical processes occurring within the material.

Typical applications include:

• Thermal stability studies
• Degradation mechanism investigations
• Identification of evolved gases
• Analysis of additives and plasticizers
• Oxidation and aging studies
• Polymer and composite characterization
• Failure analysis and quality control
• Research and development