FTIR

What Is FTIR?

FTIR measures how a material absorbs infrared light across a range of wavelengths. Different chemical bonds absorb infrared energy at characteristic frequencies, producing a spectrum that can be used to identify materials and functional groups.

Because FTIR is relatively fast and versatile, it is often one of the first techniques used to screen unknown materials or verify material identity.

What FTIR Measures

FTIR provides information on:

Functional groups (e.g., C–H, O–H, N–H, C=O, Si–O)
Chemical composition of organic materials
Polymer and resin identification
Additives, plasticizers, and binders (qualitative)
Contaminants and residues
Chemical changes due to aging, oxidation, or degradation

FTIR results are commonly compared against reference libraries for material identification.

Why Use FTIR?

FTIR is chosen when you need:

rapid identification of unknown materials
confirmation of suspected material identity
detection of contamination or foreign matter
comparison between similar materials
investigation of chemical degradation

Typical questions FTIR can answer:

What polymer or resin is this?
Is this residue organic or inorganic?
Did the material degrade or oxidize?
Are two samples chemically the same or different?

What Materials Can Be Analyzed?

APT is commonly applied to:

Metals and alloys (steel, aluminum alloys, superalloys, titanium alloys)
Semiconductor materials and devices
Thin films and multilayer structures
Some advanced ceramics and complex materials (depending on sample preparation feasibility)

If you are unsure whether your material is suitable, Xinbodi can evaluate sample feasibility based on your material system and analysis objectives.

Typical Application Scenarios

Polymer & Plastic Identification

Identification of unknown plastics, rubbers, and elastomers
Comparison of grades or suppliers
Verification of incoming materials

Contamination & Residue Analysis

Identification of surface residues or films
Investigation of foreign materials and particles
Root-cause analysis of cleanliness-related issues

Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants

Resin and binder identification
Evaluation of curing or chemical changes
Comparison of “good vs. failed” materials

Failure Analysis & Aging Studies

Detection of oxidation, hydrolysis, or thermal degradation
Chemical comparison before and after exposure
Support for root-cause investigations

Quality Control & Supplier Qualification

Batch consistency verification
Incoming material inspection
Rapid screening of suspect materials

Sample Types

FTIR can be applied to:

solids, powders, and films
liquids and gels
coatings and thin layers
polymers, rubbers, and composites

Multiple sampling modes (such as ATR, transmission, or reflection) may be used depending on sample form and thickness.

What You Will Receive

Each FTIR project is delivered with a clear, structured report designed for technical decision-making. A typical deliverable includes:

test objective and sample description
sampling mode and measurement conditions
FTIR spectra with key peak assignments
library match results (when applicable)
comparison between samples or reference materials
interpretation focused on chemical identity and changes
recommendations for follow-up analysis if needed

Why Choose Xinbodi for FTIR?

Extensive experience with polymers, coatings, and organic materials
Rapid turnaround for screening and identification
Access to broad spectral libraries and expert interpretation
Ability to integrate FTIR with other analytical techniques
Clear, application-focused reporting
Confidential handling of proprietary samples and data