DRIFTS Analysis

DRIFTS spectroscopy analysis.

DRIFTS infrared spectroscopy probes the chemical and physical structures of materials. Intertek laboratories provide DRIFTS FTIR (Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy) for a wide range of samples and projects.

DRIFTS studies the surface chemistry of high surface area powders, notably for heterogeneous catalysis, where the temperature and environment of the catalyst can be controlled in-situ in the DRIFTS cell. DRIFTS is also used for analysing polymers (including foams, powders, fibres and composites), and mineral powders. When working with near-IR radiation, DRIFTS is a key tool for pharmaceutical analysis.

An advantage of IR spectroscopy is the ability to analyse almost any sample form, solid, liquid or gas, as received. This sample adaptability offers an advantage over methods such as NMR, chromatography or mass spectrometry, which typically require samples to be soluble or volatile. DRIFTS is one of a number of infrared sampling techniques available within Intertek, allowing analysis of challenging samples with minimum preparation.

DRIFTS analysis of powders is conducted by focusing infrared light onto the powder (sometimes diluted in a non absorbing matrix) and the scattered light is collected and relayed to the IR detector. DRIFTS FTIR can also be applied to other materials with matte or dull surfaces such as fabrics and filled plastics. Intertek DRIFTS scientists can obtain both qualitative and quantitative results from client samples.  

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with DRIFTS Analysis.