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 natural water or wastewater with FTIR or Raman

ISO 24187
Determination of microplastics in water samples with higher particulate loads with microspectroscopic methods. Generally, µFTIR is the preferred method for these matrices. Please discuss with a testing expert if you're interested in analysis with the µRaman method. The results 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 water samples with relatively high particulate loads, such as typical wastewater and environmental/natural waters. The analysis can be adapted to special water matrices (process water, industrial water, samples with very high particle loads or fibers, etc.), but this may incur extra costs.
390 €
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Microplastics in clean water samples or bottles with FTIR or Raman

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. There are two options for how the analysis can be conducted: Accredited analysis with µFTIR spectroscopy according to ISO/DIS 16094-2 (capable of detecting particles from 10 µm to 5,000 µm), Accredited in-house µRaman spectroscopy method (capable of detecting particles from 1 μm to 5,000 µm). Please let us know the preferred approach when requesting an offer. The method applies to water with low particle load, such as clean drinking water or ultrapure water, as it does not include digestion pre-treatment. Please note that natural or environmental water samples are usually not suitable for this method due to the possible presence of higher amounts of solid particles. See microplastic analysis of natural water or wastewater instead, or just request a quote from our experts.
195 €
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Microplastics in blood and other samples of human origin

We offer several analysis techniques for the quantification and characterization of microplastics present in biological samples of human origin. Depending on the specific matrix and analysis goals, one of the following methods can be selected: µRaman spectroscopy LOD: 5 µm, Results: Number of microplastic particles per 1 mL or 1 g of sample, as well as information on plastic types and particle size in categories.., µFTIR spectroscopy LOD: 10 µm, Results: Number of microplastic particles per 1 mL or 1 g of sample, as well as information on plastic types and particle size in categories.., py-GC/MS LOD: 0.3 µm, Results: Concentration by weight of nanoplastic and microplastic particles per 1 mL or 1 g. This includes differentiation of the plastic types detected, but no particle size characteristics... Due to the complex matrix, the appropriate digestion, homogenization, and filtration steps will be decided on a case-by-case basis. The extent of sample preparation required may affect the price. Samples of human origin, including blood, must typically be packed and shipped with dry ice. We offer the necessary logistics services and support for handling these kinds of samples. The price range displayed applies to typical batch sizes of 25–75 samples. Please contact our experts through the form below to request an offer for your analysis project.
620–950 €
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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 let us know if you are planning to use another filter type when requesting an offer, so that we can confirm its suitability for the analysis. 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 soil, sludge or sediment with FTIR or Raman

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, suitable sample preparation steps need to be selected on a case-by-case basis. Please describe your samples in detail when requesting an offer, so that we can provide an accurate quote.
410 €
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Prices excluding VAT.

  • Fast turnaround times
  • Personal service from method experts
  • Competitive prices
  • Result accuracy guarantee

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

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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.