By probing the unique "molecular fingerprints", FTIR offers numerous possibilities for material identification, and analysis that are crucial in modern scientific, quality control, and product development endeavors.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a specialized form of infrared spectroscopy (IR) known primarily for its speed, accuracy, and non-destructive characteristics. The FTIR analysis method uses infrared light to scan test samples, and then convert the raw data (time domain data) into the desired final output (frequency domain data) by using the mathematical principle of Fourier Transformation to observe chemical properties. It has the ability to determine the chemical bonds, chemical functional groups and molecular structures of substances by studying how infrared light gets absorbed and transmitted in a substance. It is a typical analytical technique used to identify organic, polymeric, and, in some cases, inorganic materials.
The Principle of FTIR
The principle of FTIR lies in the interaction of infrared radiation with matter and it's behaves when subjected to different frequencies of light. To be more specific, as infrared radiation is passed through a sample, it will absorb radiation at specific frequencies and consequently vibrates or rotates. Each chemical compound absorbs specific frequencies of infrared light that correspond to its molecular vibrations. Light not absorbed by the sample is redirected toward a detector and measured. This absorbance or transmission information is then mathematically transformed using the Fourier algorithm, producing a unique infrared spectrum depicting peaks and valleys that serve as molecular fingerprints for the analyzed sample.
What is FTIR Used For?
FTIR is a versatile tool exploited in various industrial and scientific applications to character a broad range of organic and polymer materials. It aids in determining structural and functional groups in compounds and provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of mixtures in various states (gas, liquid, or solid). In industrial applications, predominantly, it is used for quality control and sample identification, because it can identify unknown substances, determine quantitative proportions of components in mixtures, and investigate the structural integrity of materials. For examples, FTIR provides crucial insights in forensic analysis, studying contaminants in a sample or when identifying the presence of certain functional groups in a molecule. Likewise, in the pharmaceutical industry, it's essential for identifying drugs, determining active ingredient levels and revealing impurities. And in the polymer industry, it can be used to identify substrate materials, additives, fillers and many other components in polymers.
Application of FTIR in Deformulation
Deformulation, also known as reverse engineering, is the process of analyzing and deciphering the ingredients and formulation of a particular product to determine its composition and properties. FTIR, owing to its ability to deliver quick and accurate molecular composition information, plays a monumental role in the deformulation process. It provides and confirms different ingredients of product, including minor ingredients, by determining the chemical bonds, chemical functional groups and molecular structures. For instance, it can determine the different types of polymers in plastics product, or it can determine the organic coatings on pharmaceutical tablets. These insights enable scientists and engineers to understand a product's composition and performance characteristics such as stability, durability, and overall quality better, leading to the potential enhancement of its properties or for developing competitive versions of the product.
How We Can Help You?
With an extensive background and technical expertise in FTIR and deformulation analysis, Alfa Chemistry can serve various industries, including pharmaceutical, packaging, polymers, fine chemicals, cosmetics, adhesives, coating and more. Our analytical laboratories are equipped with advanced FTIR spectrometers for providing accurate and reliable results. Whether it's failure analysis, research and development, quality control, or regulatory compliance, we can help meet your analytical challenges and deliver value to your business and to drive informed decision-making for your product development and performance. Moreover, we guarantee quick turnaround times and competitive prices while ensuring utmost confidentiality and emphasizing customer satisfaction.
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