Fast and easy analysis of polymeric samples

Importance of the Topic

The rapid and reliable identification of polymers in quality control and incoming goods inspection is essential for ensuring product performance and compliance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FT-IR ATR) offers a fast, accurate, and versatile solution for characterizing raw materials, additives, and finished polymer products. The method’s minimal sample preparation and high throughput make it particularly valuable in industrial and research settings.

Study Goals and Overview

This application note demonstrates the capabilities of the Bruker ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer combined with the OPUS QC-Wizard software for simplified polymer analysis. The objectives include:

• Presenting a user-friendly workflow for polymer identification and quality assessment
• Comparing measurement strategies using diamond and germanium ATR crystals
• Highlighting automated spectral evaluation tools such as quick compare and library search

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis employs the compact ALPHA FT-IR system equipped with a one-finger clamp and interchangeable ATR crystals:

• Diamond ATR crystal: robust, chemically inert, ideal for general polymer analysis
• Germanium ATR crystal: higher refractive index for highly absorbing or thin surface film samples
• OPUS software with PerformanceGuard™ for real-time instrument diagnostics
• QC-Wizard for guided background measurement, sample measurement, spectrum comparison, and reporting

Main Results and Discussion

• Incoming material verification: A one-click QC-Wizard workflow enables background acquisition and sample measurement in under one minute
• Quick compare function: Matches sample spectra to reference data, providing clear OK/Not OK results based on correlation thresholds
• Library search: The Bruker ATR-Polymer Library facilitates identification of unknown polymers and blends by ranking matches in seconds
• Crystal selection: Germanium ATR eliminates derivative-like artifacts in highly absorbing samples and enhances sensitivity for thin films

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput: Complete analysis cycle within 60 seconds including sampling and evaluation
• Ease of use: Wizard-guided interface permits operation by untrained personnel
• Flexibility: Suitable for solids, liquids, powders, films, and slurries without extensive preparation
• Reliability: Automated validation (OQ/PQ) and online diagnostics ensure consistent performance

Future Trends and Prospective Uses

• Expansion of spectral libraries to cover emerging polymer types and composites
• Integration of machine learning for advanced pattern recognition and predictive analysis
• Inline and at-line FT-IR implementations in production for real-time process monitoring
• Development of miniaturized handheld FT-IR devices for field applications

Conclusion

The Bruker ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer with diamond and germanium ATR modules, combined with OPUS QC-Wizard, provides a streamlined, robust platform for polymer analysis. Its rapid measurement, automated evaluation, and minimal training requirements make it an effective tool for quality assurance, incoming goods inspection, and research laboratories.

Reference

• Bruker Optics. Application Note AN M84. Fast and easy analysis of polymeric samples. 2021.