In this interview, Dr. Suja Sukumaran explores the significance, versatility, and future advancements of FTIR spectroscopy, highlighting its pivotal role in material analysis, quality control, and innovative applications across industries.
Could you start by giving us a quick overview of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and its significance in material analysis?
FTIR is a powerful analytical technique used to identify a material's molecular composition. It provides detailed insights into the material’s molecular structure by measuring how a sample absorbs infrared light. This makes it invaluable for various industries, particularly for analyzing polymers. Whether you are investigating the identity of raw materials, verifying product quality, or understanding failures, FTIR offers precise, reliable data. Its versatility spans R&D, manufacturing, and quality control, giving it a unique role in solving critical material-related challenges.
Image Credit: S. Singha/Shutterstock.com
How do ATR-FTIR and transmission FTIR compare, and when would you choose one over the other?
ATR-FTIR and transmission FTIR are complementary methods that cater to different needs. Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) is designed for quick, straightforward measurements with minimal sample preparation. The sample is placed directly on a crystal, such as diamond or germanium, and the system captures a high-quality spectrum. This method is excellent for surface analysis, soft materials, or samples with limited quantities.
Transmission FTIR is more precise for quantitative analysis and examining core material properties. It requires more preparation, such as creating thin films or using KBr pellets for solid samples, but is ideal for assessing thickness, additives, or internal material composition. Deciding between the two depends on your sample type and the depth of analysis required.
What types of specialized accessories expand FTIR’s capabilities?
FTIR systems, such as the Nicolet Apex FTIR, are incredibly versatile, thanks to a range of specialized accessories. For instance, ATR modules with interchangeable crystals allow users to tailor measurements to their sample's corrosive or delicate properties. Gas cells analyze volatile compounds, while tools like the Golden Gate allow temperature-controlled studies to observe material changes under heat. Fiber-optic probes are perfect for in-situ monitoring, enabling you to track reactions in real-time. There are also setups like Specac Pearl for analyzing liquids with minimal effort or horizontal transmission accessories for viscous materials like oils. These tools transform FTIR into a multi-functional instrument capable of tackling diverse analytical challenges.
Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific
How does FTIR help in studying material degradation or aging?
FTIR is particularly effective for investigating how materials degrade or age. One example is using an in-situ degradation chamber to study polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene under accelerated conditions. We simulate aging processes by applying heat or irradiation and monitor the evolved gases, such as CO₂. The FTIR tracks these changes in real time, revealing critical insights like activation energy and degradation pathways. This approach condenses years of natural aging into hours in a lab, allowing us to predict material performance, evaluate product longevity, and even troubleshoot failures caused by environmental stressors.
What role does FTIR microscopy play in material analysis?
FTIR microscopy is a game-changer for analyzing complex samples at the micro level. It combines the precision of FTIR with advanced imaging, allowing us to map chemical compositions or identify contaminants in minute regions. For example, we can differentiate between polymer layers and biological contaminants in laminates. Similarly, it is invaluable for recycling applications, such as verifying the purity of polymer powders. The RaptIR+ microscope takes this further with automated mapping and multi-component regression analysis, enabling us to evaluate layers, particles, and defects with unparalleled detail. This level of analysis is essential for applications like failure analysis and quality control in cutting-edge industries.
A silicon filter with atmospheric deposition of microplastics. Particles selected are between the size range of 25 μm – 1 mm. Image Credit: Thermo Fisher Scientific
How does TGA-IR combine thermal and spectral analysis for deeper insights?
TGA-IR is an innovative technique that pairs thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) with FTIR spectroscopy, offering a comprehensive look at material decomposition. As a sample heats up in the TGA, it breaks down and releases gases. These gases are immediately analyzed in the FTIR, producing spectra that reveal their composition. For example, in studying a cracked cell phone cover, TGA-IR identified unexpected methyl esters, which helped pinpoint the root cause—exposure to hand cream solvents. This method is especially useful in failure analysis, where understanding material breakdown is critical. Unlike standalone TGA or FTIR, the hyphenated technique fully captures physical and chemical changes.
Can FTIR study both the physical and chemical properties of materials simultaneously?
Rheo-IR is a prime example of combining physical and chemical analysis in real time. By integrating rheometry with FTIR, we can observe how a material's mechanical properties—like viscosity and elasticity—change under stress while simultaneously tracking chemical transformations. The HAAKE MARS rheometer, used in Rheo-IR setups, measures the material's viscoelastic properties, providing complementary insights into its physical response under stress. For instance, during adhesive curing, we monitor the shift from viscous monomers to elastic polymers. The FTIR spectrum tracks the disappearance of acrylate monomers and the formation of ester bonds, while the rheometer measures the viscoelastic response. This dual approach gives a complete understanding of material behavior, which is crucial for optimizing formulations and understanding process dynamics.
How can FTIR support high-throughput labs and regulated environments?
FTIR systems can be tailored for both high-throughput labs and strict regulatory environments. Automation tools, like XY autosamplers, enable the analysis of hundreds of samples daily with consistent accuracy. Diamond ATR crystals are widely preferred in regulated labs due to their durability and broad spectral range. Software tools often include built-in compliance features, like using certified polystyrene standards for instrument validation. This ensures efficiency and adherence to stringent quality and regulatory standards, making FTIR an essential tool across diverse industries.
Finally, what would you say is the future of FTIR in material analysis?
FTIR continues to evolve, driven by advancements in automation, sensitivity, and integration with other techniques. Combining FTIR with microscopy, TGA, and rheometry expands its capabilities, enabling deeper insights into complex materials. Innovations like portable FTIR systems and enhanced automation will make the technology more accessible across industries, from manufacturing to environmental monitoring. As material science becomes more intricate, FTIR’s versatility and adaptability will remain critical for solving emerging challenges and advancing innovation. Its future is incredibly promising, as it aligns perfectly with the increasing demand for precision and efficiency in material analysis.
About Suja Sukumaran
Dr. Suja Sukumaran is a Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She earned her PhD in Biophysics from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Germany through the International Max Planck Research School. She brings extensive expertise in molecular spectroscopy, fluorescence and visible imaging, as well as protein and lipid biochemistry to her role.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific – Materials & Structural Analysis.
For more information on this source, please visit Thermo Fisher Scientific – Materials & Structural Analysis.
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