Methods / µ-FTIR

FTIR microscopy

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microscopy, also known as µ-FTIR or micro-FTIR, is an analytical technique used to obtain an FTIR spectrum from a microscopic region of a sample. The method has applications in a wide range of industries due to its ability to identify the chemical composition of small areas or particles.

µFTIR of microplastics
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Some of our micro-FTIR services

Microplastics in clean water samples or bottles (ISO/DIS 16094-2)

ISO/DIS 16094-2
Determination of microplastic content in clean water samples with vibrational spectroscopy methods. The analytical report will list different types of polymers detected and their distribution by size (1 μm to 5 000 µm with µRaman and 10 µm to 5 000 µm with µFTIR). There are two options for how the analysis can be conducted: Acrredited analysis with µFTIR microscopy according to ISO/DIS 16094-2, Accredited in-house Raman microscopy method. Please let us know the preferred approach when requesting an offer or placing an order. The displayed price applies to clean drinking water or even purer grades of water only, as it does not include digestion pre-treatment. Please note that natural waters are handled as wastewater due to the possible presence of solid particles. Our experts are happy to provide a quote for the analysis of other matrices.
235 €
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Microplastics in blood and other samples of human origin

Quantification and characterization of microplastics present in biological samples of human origin with FTIR spectroscopy. The results will include the number of microplastic particles per 1 mL of sample, as well as information on plastic types and average particle size. Due to the complex matrix, the appropriate digestion, homogenization, and filtration steps will need to be decided on a case-by-case basis. The extent of the required sample preparation may affect the price. Please contact our experts through the form below to request an offer for your analysis project.
1,050 €
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Microplastics on filter

Microplastics analysis with µFTIR directly from a suitable filter. The preferred filter is Anodisc filter discs (0.2 μm pore size, 25 mm diameter). The displayed price does not include any pretreatment or other additional steps. Please check the suitability of the filter with the testing expert before ordering! The results of the analysis will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 10–50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm.
235 €
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Microplastics in natural water or wastewater with the micro-FTIR method

ISO 24187
Determination of microplastics in wastewater using FTIR microspectroscopy. The results of the analysis will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 10–50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm. This analysis is suitable for natural waters and typical wastewater samples. Please note that both of these matrices need digestion sample preparation due to the possible solid particles in the samples. For special water matrices (process water, industrial water, etc.), please contact the method expert before ordering.
390 €
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Microplastics in soil, sludge or sediment with microspectroscopy methods

Determination of microplastics in soil, sludge, or sediment using µRaman or µFTIR spectroscopy. The results will specify different types of polymers by size, for example, 1–50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–500 µm, and >500 µm. Due to the challenging matrix, the analysis cannot be ordered online. Please contact our experts to describe your samples, and we'll get back to you with an offer.
410 €
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Microplastics in fish and other aquatic animals

Determination of microplastics in biological samples of aquatic animal origin using FTIR. The results of the analysis will specify different types of polymers by size.
621–1,050 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

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What is FTIR microscopy used for?

FTIR microscopy is suitable for a wide range of sample matrices and is especially useful for quality control due to its ability to identify the source of microscopic contaminants within a product. Detectable contaminants include hair, dust, and microplastics in products including pharmaceuticals, food, and consumer goods - among many others.

Micro-FTIR can also be used to analyze the surface chemistry of adhesives, coatings, and thin films by identifying the chemical groups present on the surface that can affect the adhesive or hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties. 

Finally, FTIR microscopy can be used for material failure analysis studies. For example, the identification of a particle on the fractured surface of a material can give information about the defect that caused the failure.

How does µ-FTIR work?

FTIR is used to characterize regions of a sample based on their unique FTIR spectral “fingerprint”. The molecular groups or bonds that make up a substance uniquely interact with infrared light. Because of this, it is possible to identify specific chemicals, plastics, or other forms of matter by matching the spectrum to an established library of substances. 

In FTIR microscopy, an optical microscope is used to identify areas of interest and irradiate them with infrared light. This yields a spectrum for a specific microscopic region of the sample. 

The results can be as simple as a single spectrum for one location, or a collection of IR spectra, visualized as a 2D map highlighting the distribution of different chemical compounds in different colors.

Sample requirements and preparation

ATR mode is suitable for almost all sample types with little to no preparation. For transmittance and reflectance modes, samples must be < 20 µm thick. A suitable thickness can be achieved using microtome preparation.

Advantages and limitations of FTIR microscopy

Compared to conventional FTIR, the addition of microscopy allows the sample's chemical composition to be visualized at different points of interest. 

The resolution of FTIR microscopy is approximately 5–10 µm (depending on the equipment), which limits its usefulness in semiconductor applications, where a nanometer-level resolution is often required.

Looking for FTIR analyses?

Measurlabs offers laboratory testing with FTIR microscopy for quality control, failure analysis, and microplastic studies. We also offer conventional FTIR spectroscopy and a variety of other methods, enabling you to get all the analyses you need through one point of contact. Whenever you need assistance our skilled testing experts are here to help you. Contact us through the form below to get a customized offer for your analysis need and sample number.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Organic compounds
  • Coatings
  • Thin films
  • Food
  • Pharmaceuticals

Ideal uses of FTIR microscopy

  • Material characterization
  • Failure analysis
  • Quality control & contamination assays
  • Surface chemistry analysis

Ask for an offer

Fill in the form, and we'll reply in one business day.

Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.