Thin Multilayer Analysis Using the Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System

Significance of the Topic

Multilayer laminate materials combine distinct polymer layers engineered for targeted performance such as mechanical strength barrier properties and environmental protection. Accurate measurement of layer thickness and composition is essential to ensure product integrity prevent defects and guarantee safety across industries from food packaging to battery technologies.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the use of the Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system to rapidly characterize micrometer scale multilayer laminates. The study covers reference library creation validation with unlabeled samples and analysis of an ultra thin lithium ion battery separator demonstrating chemical identification and thickness mapping in challenging samples.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample Preparation using Agilent laminate holder and precision sample planer to obtain flat cross sections within minutes avoiding resin embedding and polishing.
• Imaging Techniques combining high magnification visible microscopy and infrared imaging at 1 μm spatial resolution with the 8700 LDIR system.
• Spectral Analysis with Clarity software line profile feature to acquire single point spectra along defined paths and generate a custom spectral library of known polymers.
• Identification Workflow matching unknown sample spectra to the reference library using Hit Quality Index HQI scoring.
• Key Instrumentation
  • Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System
  • Agilent LDIR Sample Planer
  • Agilent Clarity Software

Main Results and Discussion

• Sample 1 Three known polymer layers PE PS PP each 50 μm thick total 150 μm. High resolution IR imaging at 1442 cm⁻¹ resolved morphology and enabled library creation.
• Sample 2 Unlabeled three layer sample measured at 90 μm (25 μm 40 μm 25 μm) with correct identification of PS PE and PP achieving HQI values above 0.88.
• Sample 3 Lithium ion battery separator measured at 29 μm total thickness resolved three ultra thin layers PP PE PP with HQI scores between 0.80 and 0.87 confirming method sensitivity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The 8700 LDIR workflow offers a non destructive fast and reproducible approach for multilayer analysis supporting routine quality control failure analysis and material development. Custom spectral libraries enable identification of unknown layers and potential contaminants enhancing process reliability in packaging electronics and other sectors.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of automated AI driven spectral interpretation for real time decision making.
• Extension to emerging materials such as biodegradable polymers and complex composites.
• On site process monitoring enabling inline inspection of multilayer production lines.
• Higher throughput and miniaturized accessories for broader laboratory adoption.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8700 LDIR system provides rapid micrometer scale imaging and chemical identification of multilayer laminates. Its combination of precision sample preparation high spatial resolution imaging and robust software workflows addresses critical needs in research and quality assurance across multiple industries.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies Thin Multilayer Analysis Using the Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System Application Note 2025.