Micro FT-IR

Here is an example of analyzing organic-inorganic composite materials using FT-IR and SEM-EDX. FT-IR measurements were conducted on the glossy and non-glossy areas of the surface of a PET bottle label, revealing that the IR spectra differed between the glossy and non-glossy areas. The non-glossy area is thought to primarily consist of acrylic resin, as its spectrum is similar to that of acrylic resin. Additionally, SEM-EDX measurements were performed on both the glossy and non-glossy areas, and the EDX spectrum and backscattered electron images showed that the non-glossy area contained sulfur (S) and barium (Ba), which were not detected in the glossy area.

At Aites Co., Ltd., we have newly introduced "Microscopic FT-IR" this fiscal year. The "Microscopic FT-IR," which combines FT-IR and optical microscopy, allows for the measurement of tiny substances on the order of several tens of micrometers, which are difficult to measure with conventional FT-IR, using an aperture (field stop). There are three main measurement methods for Microscopic FT-IR: "transmission method," "reflection method," and "ATR method." While the transmission method is the basic measurement method in Microscopic FT-IR measurements, the reflection method or ATR method may be more suitable depending on the shape of the sample and the feasibility of sampling.