Infrared Spectroscopy - Introduction

Infrared spectroscopy is an excellent technique for the identification of organic materials, including sealants, paints, resins, plastics, rubbers, adhesives, oils, fats, waxes and pure or mixed solvents, whether they are in the form of a simple compound or a complex mixture of polymers. Each material, providing that it is infrared active, produces a unique infrared spectrum and it is this property of a material that allows us to identify it.

Sandberg has a state of the art infrared spectrometer coupled with an omni sampler that allows us to record an infrared spectrum with little or no sample preparation, therefore saving time and altering the sample as little as possible, resulting in a more accurate identification. We also have an extensive and ever growing library of infrared spectra that allow us to compare the infrared spectrum produced by the sample with a library spectrum produced on the same infrared spectrometer.

The technique of infrared spectroscopy is particularly useful for the analysis of sealant samples to identify the generic type, or condition of the sealant in service. It is also useful in the identification of paint samples for resin type either for paint stripping purposes or for over painting with a compatible paint system. Other uses for infrared spectroscopy include the identification of unknown plastic or rubber samples, the characterisation of adhesives or grouts and the identification of solvents in unmarked containers for recycling or safe disposal.

The following sections are intended to give a taste of the technique of infrared spectroscopy and the many and varied situations that it can be applied to within the built environment. The technique is highly adaptable and extremely powerful and many more situations will arise where it will prove to an invaluable technique. In the future with the development of ever more sophisticated instruments and computer software programmes the technique will go from strength to strength.