Spectroscopy
FTIR Spectrometer
Thermo Scientific Nicolet Apex
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy measures which infrared wavelengths a material absorbs. Each chemical bond has its own frequencies, so the spectrum is a fingerprint of the polymer, its cure system and its additives.
Sampling is by attenuated total reflection (ATR) with diamond, germanium and ZnSe crystals, by HATR and in transmission.
Key specifications
7800–350cm⁻¹
Spectral range, KBr beamsplitter
<0.25cm⁻¹
Spectral resolution
50,000:1
Signal-to-noise, guaranteed
10,000+
Reference spectra in library
- Wavenumber accuracy
- 0.02 cm⁻¹ at 2000 cm⁻¹
- Rapid scan
- Up to 40 spectra/s at 16 cm⁻¹
- Sampling
- ATR (diamond, Ge, ZnSe), HATR, transmission
- Coupling
- TGA-FTIR evolved gas analysis
Performance data from Thermo Fisher Scientific Nicolet Apex specifications; accessories as installed.
Typical applications
- Polymer family identification (FKM, FFKM, HNBR, EPDM, PTFE, PEEK)
- Verification of incoming material against reference spectra
- Cure system and additive identification
- Chemical change after fluid or thermal exposure
- Oxidation and degradation of elastomers
- Surface contamination and residues
- Plasticizer and oil migration
- Composite matrix identification
- Reverse engineering of unknown seals
- Evolved gas analysis coupled to TGA
Example outputs
1
HNBR spectrum
The sharp nitrile band near 2236 cm⁻¹ marks the acrylonitrile in the polymer.
2
FKM spectrum
Strong C–F absorptions between 1100 and 1300 cm⁻¹ dominate the spectrum of a fluoroelastomer.