FTIR Webinars

Forensic Analysis: FTIR, Raman and GC-IR Within Minutes  
FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are both SWGDRUG Category A techniques that can be used by forensic scientists to quickly identify unknown materials and confidently give expert testimony in court. They are also very useful for addressing SWGMAT needs.

The new Nicolet iS50 FTIR with a built-in diamond ATR and sample compartment Raman module, combines these two techniques in a single compact workstation. Get answers in less than 30 seconds and switch to your next analysis method with a push of a button. The system can also be expanded with a new GC-IR interface to provide unprecedented ease of use for drug isomer identification.

Learn how these techniques can be used for:

• Seized drugs: controlled substances and cutting agents
• Clandestine labs: chemical evaluation
• Hit and run: paint and materials
• Textile identification: fibers, coatings, and residues

Forensic Applications of Microspectroscopy  
FTIR and Raman microscopy produce fast, minimally destructive analysis with diagnostic chemical identification results. All types of physical evidence particles ranging in size from 10 microns to 500 microns are candidates for analysis with these techniques.

Webinar topics include:

• Transmission sampling: improving results with compression cells
• Micro-ATR sampling: a problem solver for difficult samples
• Raman Microscopy: for very small scale samples and minimal handling
• Spectral Identification: database creation, searching and reporting

Seized Drug Analysis Using FTIR with Mixture Searching 
FTIR spectroscopy is a SWGDRUG Category A technique for illicit drug identification. However, it is underutilized in many forensic laboratories. This is largely due to the ambiguous results it can provide when analyzing seized drugs that are mixtures. These results are difficult for the forensic scientist to confidently support when giving expert testimony.

Most labs rely heavily on GC/MS and are confident in the results it provides. This presentation discusses the use of new FTIR mixture searching software and simple ATR sample analysis for rapid screening of seized drugs with a focus on using infrared mixture search data to confidently support GC/MS results for more effective expert testimony.

Real-Time, Continuous Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) Detection by GC-MS alternative
US EPA methods for measuring hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in ambient air include TO-14a and TO-15. Traditionally for these methods, samples have been collected in specially prepared “Summa type” canisters and transported to a laboratory for analysis by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS allows for speciation and quantification of many HAPs and non-HAPs within the sample at ppm to ppb levels, but in many cases, the customer must wait weeks for a result. Novel technologies have been recently developed that allow for 10s - 100s of compounds to be monitored simultaneously in real-time by FTIR gas analysis. Similar detection limits as those required in TO-14a/TO-15 can be achieved within 1 minute with minimal concern for sample integrity. This presentation will discuss both the hardware and software advances that now allow for ambient air monitoring of HAPs in real-time by FTIR.

Advantages of Monitoring Industrial Gases using Online FTIR Spectroscopy 
FTIR spectroscopy offers several advantages for monitoring gases produced in industrial production, including combustion emissions and gases from production processes. The advantages are the ability to measure multiple gases simultaneously, rapidly, and continuously. This webinar explains practical considerations for use of FTIR for online monitoring, as well as common errors and pitfalls that must be avoided for accurate results. 

Topics include: 

• Overview of FTIR for gas analysis 
• Comparison of FTIR with other techniques 
• Sample handling considerations 
• Automated continuous operation 

Rapid Combustion Analysis using FTIR Spectroscopy 
FTIR spectroscopy is a robust analytical method that can monitor multiple compounds in exhaust gases online, with low detection limits and rapid response. This webinar discusses the challenges industrial chemists and engineers experience in assessing gaseous products of combustion found in:

• Engines and catalytic converter design: ability to measure 5 samples/second when reducing NOx emissions in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) cycle using ammonia or urea (NH3)
• Power plants and cement factories: need to analyze HCl and SO2 emissions to meet stringent regulatory standards
• Materials fire-safety testing: need to rapidly identify toxic breakdown products (such as HCl, HF, HBr, or CH2O) for safety considerations

Fundamentals of Industrial Gas Analysis using FTIR Spectroscopy 
Online FTIR instrumentation provides a flexible, practical analytical technique as manufacturing facilities implement advanced diagnostics and environmental monitoring of their industrial gas streams. From continuous emission monitoring (CEM) to semiconductor gas purity monitoring at part-per-billion contaminant levels, FTIR offers researchers an invaluable window into the chemical composition of their gas streams.

This webinar introduces listeners to the fundamental strengths, weaknesses, pros and cons of industrial FTIR analysis, with example applications and comparisons to competing techniques.

Fire Science Gas Analysis by FTIR 
Scientists in the field of fire safety or fire protection engineering analyze the combustion gases evolved when a material burns under different conditions.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provides fire safety engineers a useful analytic tool for on-line analysis of as many as 25 gas species of interest, including highly toxic acids such as HF, HCl, or HCN. Depending on the system configuration, detection limits of low parts-per-million (ppm) may be sampled to monitor evolved gases continuously.

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FTIR for Gas-phase Synfuels and BioGas Applications 
FTIR spectroscopy may be useful for engineers and scientists involved in renewable energy research, such as anaerobic digestion of landfill or agricultural products to evolve methane for generation of electricity. FTIR can be used to monitor major components (CH4, CO, CO2), contaminants (siloxanes, acids such as HCl), and combustion products (NO, NO2, N2O).

This webinar provides an introduction to FTIR for Biogas analysis, including sampling considerations and factors in quantitative analysis.

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Improved efficiency in bulk and specialty gas analysis using ultra-sensitive FTIR

New advances in FTIR gas analysis technology enable real-time gas measurements at low ppb to mid ppt levels which rivals the sensitivity of GC-based techniques. This webinar covers the new hardware and applications in FTIR gas analysis.

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Solutions for Ethylene Oxide Source Emissions Monitoring

The measurement of ethylene oxide (EO) from stationary sources is performed around the world, and interest peaks anytime there are proposed changes or additions to emission and exposure standards. Low level ethylene oxide (EO) monitoring presents many challenges such as analysis in the low ppb range, speed of analysis, reliability, and dependable QA/QC. Watch this webinar to learn more about monitoring challenges with EO and how they can be easily managed with ultra-sensitive FTIR-based CEM systems.

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Ensuring air quality in the workplace through new OE-FTIR technology

Worker exposure to toxins in ambient air and related regulations are an increasing concern for industry. A disruptive new technique – OE-FTIR – combines the advantages of FTIR gas analysis with detection limits down to low-ppb or even ppt!

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• Material identification
• Material differencesomplaints and product failures
• Deformulation and Additives

Solutions for Failure Analysis, Process Validation and Competitive Investigation using TGA-IR
Procedures such as failure analysis, process validation, and competitive investigations often require that a sample be deformulated to identify components and to understand material process differences. The new Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer, when coupled with Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), provides tools for all these investigative analyses. This webinar gives examples of complete sample deformulation, starting with the hardware tools then describing interpretation of the complex data sets using the Thermo ScientificTM OMNICTM Mercury TGA software.

Learn how this flexible instrument platform can help you:

• Identify evolved gaseous components
• Compute the time evolution of identified species
• Obtain consistent answers, regardless of operator skill level
• Compile results in a complete report format

• analysis of automotive gases 
• fire chemistry 
• surface plasmon resonance and kinetics experiments 

Problem Solving with Molecular Spectroscopy in Industrial Laboratories - (Part 2) Analytical Services
Infrared and Raman spectroscopy play an essential role in the Analytical Services laboratories of many industrials. A basic technique for chemical analysis, vibrational spectroscopies are fast and easily performed. Samples generally require little preparation and modern data analysis software provides answers quickly.

Our informative one-hour webinar explores the value of vibrational spectroscopy and how it solves problems on a daily basis. As a leading developer of spectroscopic instrumentation and software, we demonstrate some of latest developments in the industry including identifying multi-components in mixtures, contaminant identification and microscopy. Along the way we offer a number of useful tips such as choosing the best spectral libraries and how to do chemical imaging.

Effective imaging for identification and sizing of API domains

The distribution of API in a pharmaceutical tablet is a critical factor in developing drugs that are effective when consumed. What’s the best way to figure that out?

The combination of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy with mapping is well-suited for identifying and sizing API domains. Both techniques provide excellent chemical and spatial information about the distribution and concentration of the API in a tablet.

Key Learning Objectives: 

• How to collect area data in FTIR and Raman imaging
• How to process and analyze a large mapping/imaging data set
• Understand and interpret the data to communicate to stakeholders

Ensuring Integrity of Drug Formulation from Development to QC

Substantial testing is required to assure that chemical and structural integrity are preserved throughout the drug development process to maintain its functionality. Among the techniques used to study changes in chemical integrity are infrared and Raman spectroscopy. This webcast will discuss where efficiencies can be made in data collection, regulatory compliance, instrument qualification, method validation, and data integrity all along the development pipeline up to final quality control (QC) testing. Learn how to quickly identify changes in polymorphic structure, monitor API to excipient distribution, and troubleshoot out-of-specification (OOS) product lots, while preserving data integrity needed for audits.

Key Learning Objectives

• Where along the drug development path can FTIR, NIR and Raman techniques be used and what knowledge is gained
• How to minimize the number of laborious steps in analytical method validation, verification, and transfer to QC and manufacturing
• What to look for in a hardware-software platform to not only assure drug formulation integrity but also data integrity.

FTIR Spectroscopy for Structure Elucidation of Proteins

During the past decade, FTIR spectroscopy has gained significant prominence as a tool for structure elucidation of proteins - from formulations in R&D to Quality Control in Manufacturing. FTIR has many advantages including measuring: 1) at dosage concentrations - both low and high; 2) in different states such as liquid and solids; and 3) with variety of excipients.  The measurements are straightforward and the equipment is very affordable.  Regulatory agencies often list FTIR as one of the techniques recommended for proof-of-folding and structure comparability. This webinar will describe the process of determining protein secondary structure.

Pharmaceutical Analysis with FTIR, Near-IR, Mid-IR and Raman in a Compact Platform

Pharmaceutical laboratories face strong regulatory requirements and market pressures at every step along the product development pipeline. This webinar presents data that shows how the analytical needs of these laboratories – for speed, reliability and flexibility – can be improved with the new Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer. Switching between multiple techniques can be achieved in seconds to customize workflows or perform confirmatory testing on a single sample.

Learn how this multi-functional platform enables:

• Basic drug research and structural elucidation
• Formulation development and validation
• Quality control processes for incoming and outgoing materials
• Packaging testing

Infrared and UV-Vis Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical QC - Part 1: Regulatory Considerations

Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers is essential for delivering safe and effective products. Poor quality data can lead to a multitude of consequences, including out-of-specification results, delays in product release or even product recalls.

The first webinar in this two-part series guides you through the challenges of effectively navigating the regulated environment. We address the need to quickly commission the spectroscopy equipment and ensure proper day-to-day use through system qualification, SOP development and system suitability testing.

Infrared and UV-Vis Spectroscopy in Pharmaceutical QC - Part 2: Ensuring Product Quality

During the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, quality control is required at every step to ensure safe and effective products. Poor product quality can lead to a multitude of consequences, including delays in product release or even product recalls.

The second webinar in this two-part series presents how UV-Visible and Infrared spectroscopy play a critical role as essential quality control tools in the manufacturing process. We address how these tools help ensure product quality while bringing simplicity to your work.

Webinar 1: Rheometry & FTIR Spectroscopy: Benefits & Applications in Polymer Research

Learn about how simultaneous Rheology and FTIR spectroscopy measurements for product development in the polymer area allow changes in the rheological profile or properties to be correlated with information about the molecular structure and its changes. Additional discussion points include viscoelasticity, thermal and UV curing, and a focus on pharmaceutical polymers and Hot Melt Extrusion.

Webinar 2: What Went Wrong? FTIR as a Valuable Tool in Plastic Failure Analysis

Special Guest Speaker, Jeff Jansen, Sr. Managing Engineer & Partner, The Madison Group

FTIR is a fundamental analytical tool for the analysis of organic materials. It provides critical information in the evaluation of plastic failures, including material identification, contamination, and degradation. This webinar will address the key information that FTIR can provide in troubleshooting a plastic part failure.  Learn how to more effectively use FTIR  and other techniques to more efficiently and effectively analyze polymeric materials.

Webinar 3: Peeling Back the Layers Characterizing Multi-layer Structures using FTIR and Raman Microscopy

Multi-layer polymer films, or laminates, are composite materials and are ubiquitous in a vast array of industries. Information about the makeup of individual layers is of great interest for manufacturers as well as for the end user. Vibrational micro-spectroscopy techniques provide valuable chemical information that is typical of traditional vibrational methods but, with the added benefit of obtaining spatial information necessary to distinguish the composition of the different layers. This webinar will cover FTIR and Raman micro-spectroscopy and their application in studying laminates.

Webinar 4: Pushing Polymer Pellets At-line FTIR Polymer Analysis

FTIR spectroscopy is a flexible, useful tool in the manufacturing and processing of polymer pellets and films. This webinar will focus on uses of FTIR in support of QA of polymer production, whether by drawing discrete samples or via continuous monitoring. Topics include:

• Overview of polymer analysis by FTIR 
• Pros and cons of different sampling techniques 
• Discussion of continuous at-line film analysis of polymer additives

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Webinar 5: Breaking it Down – Polymer Deformulation using FTIR Coupled to TGA

Problem solving and reverse engineering often require sample deformulation to identify components and understand material process differences. This webinar discusses the use of Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) coupled to FTIR spectroscopy for these investigations. Case studies show polymeric material deformulation, starting with sample analysis using the latest hardware tools leading to data interpretation using the unique Mercury TGA software which simplifies characterization of complex mixtures.

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Webinar 6: Your Next Packaging Analysis Tool - Raman Spectroscopy

Raman microscopy is a valuable tool for packaging analysis, with special emphasis on food-contact materials. In minutes, you can characterize multilayer material properties such as structure and thickness and can even identify layers with minimal sample handling. In this webinar, we discuss novel promising applications of Raman microscopy (SERS) with silver substrates significantly improves detection limits.

Webinar 7: Bet the Pharma - Application of Diffuse Reflectance NIR Spectroscopy to Monitor the Output of Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extruders

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) is a continuous manufacturing process used in the pharmaceutical industry to improve the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Find out how NIR combined with the use of fiber optics enables real-time monitoring of HME processes since it is rapid, non-destructive, solvent-free, and eliminates sample preparation. 

Webinar 8: Into the Depths - Analysis of Multilayer Polymer Films by Confocal Raman Microscopy 

This webinar will discuss Raman microscopy as a powerful technique for the analysis of multilayer polymer films in terms of utilizing conventional Raman's micron-sized spatial resolution for cross section analysis and Confocal Raman for the generation of depth profiles for reduced sample preparation. 

Polymer Analysis from Raw Material to Formulation 

Polymer and plastics production requires a continuous flow of information about materials, from feedstock to final product. For instance, quality control demands information about raw materials, while competition requires deformulation tools. The Nicolet iS50 FTIR spectrometer is a full workstation, with tools for rapid QA/QC analysis method development, morphological investigations and formulation studies. This webinar explores the use of the Nicolet iS50 within many scenarios in production, reverse engineering and troubleshooting.

Exploring Polymer Product Characteristics with Image-Guided Infrared Microscopy

Infrared spectroscopy is among the most commonly used tools in the polymer laboratory. The technique is used up and down the entire value chain from quality control of raw materials to failure analysis of fabricated parts.

This presentation discusses the role of infrared microscopy in polymer analytical service and research laboratories. Characterization of multilayer films, tracking down sources of defects and characterizing effects of processing conditions on the microstructure of products are all examples of applications where infrared microscopy produces high-value data for decision making.

Polymer Composition Analysis: Exploring with FTIR and Other Spectroscopy Methods

Spectroscopic analysis is critical for proper identification, quality control, recycling, and failure analysis of polymers and plastics. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and Raman are common techniques used to study polymers and solve problems related to the manufacturing and identification of these materials. These materials often have very subtle, but important chemical signatures that critically affect their physical properties and performance.

Topics for the analysis include:

• Using the Nicolet iS50 spectrometer to perform Raman, NIR, mid-IR and far-IR analysis on multiple samples
• Identifying banned substances such as heavy metals in plastics
• Determining crystal structure and the polymorphic state of plastics and their additives
• Coupling Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) to FTIR for decomposition studies

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Microparticulates analysis for understanding component wear 

Moving components generate particulates via physical or chemical breakdown, such as abrasive wear. These particles, typically 20-100 microns in size, can originate from sources like seals, rotors or heat-induced degradation adjacent fluids (lubricant, fuel, etc.). Characterization of the particulates is a critical step in both the determination of their origin and in remediation. In this webinar, wepresent the use of a simple FTIR microscope for the identification of particles from automotive sources to show the utility of this method for rapid analysis.

Foundations of FTIR Microscopy - Sample Preparation Techniques

FTIR Microscopy is a technique that has become heavily utilized and routine in an array of fields. One of the challenges users encounter is how to properly and effectively prepare samples for their microscope. Due to the small sample size usually analyzed in FTIR microscopy, sample preparation is essential to ensure that the desired chemical information can be obtained. This webinar will cover basic sample preparation procedures to help you when setting up an FTIR microscopy experiment.

The Basics of Sampling Techniques

Because infrared spectroscopy is used with a dynamic range of applications and sample types, sampling techniques play an important role in data acquisition. This webinar will examine the capabilities of different sampling methods and provide information to help you choose the ideal technique for your samples. Attend this webinar and gain a general understanding of several sampling approaches. Emphasis will be placed on discussing the strengths and weaknesses of transmission and reflection techniques.

GC-IR: Applications of GC-IR with Real World Samples

Online infrared analysis of the eluent from a gas chromatograph yields detailed information on the composition of complex mixtures. The technique of GC-IR is complementary to GC-MS in that the infrared spectrum is sensitive to the molecular structure of the intact molecule. GC-IR thus provides easy identification of separated isomers, a weakness of GC-MS. Identification of isomers is important in many application areas, including forensics, petroleum and flavors and fragrances. This webinar will describe the hardware and software for GC-IR, and will demonstrate its use with analysis of real world samples.

Who should attend: Scientists tasked with identifying key components of real-world complex mixtures.

Industries: Forensics, Environmental, Petroleum, Flavors and Fragrance

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): Failure Analysis, Process Validation, and Competitive Analysis with TGA

The Nicolet i50 spectrometer coupled with TGA provides optimal tools for failure analysis, process validation, and competitive analysis which often require deformulation for identifying components and understanding process differences. Learn about the complete process of sample deformulation including complex data interpretation as well as identifying evolved gaseous components, computing the time evolution of identified species, obtaining consistent answers, and compiling results in a complete report format.

Spectral Interpretation:  Basics of FTIR Spectral Interpretation

A critical part of characterizing materials and samples with IR spectroscopy is being able to interpret spectral information from your FTIR instrument. While detailed analysis and interpretation may take years to master, the basics can be quickly understood. This webinar gives a basic overview of how to get solid information such as functional group identification and quantitative analysis.

MAIRS: MAIRS on FTIR - A Powerful Tool for Revealing Molecular Orientation in an Ultrathin Film

With semiconductor, liquid crystal and biological films, the molecular orientation of the film on the surface affects the film's physical and chemical properties, and therefore a tool that can quickly characterize the structure of thin films is needed. Learn how MAIRS can be used to obtain the in-plane and out-of-plane vibrational spectra of thins films from a single sample, and howthese spectra are used to determine the molecular orientation of the films.

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Transmission: FTIR Transmission Sampling: Faster, Easier, Cheaper

Recent developments in transmission make it a versatile and economic sampling technique for quality control, materials identification and routine analysis. This webinar provides a tutorial on transmission covering solids, liquids, and gases using various transmission accessories. Learn why transmission analysis is still an important technique in your FTIR toolkit as we compare using KBr pellets, ATR sampling, and newer transmission accessories.

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Foundations of FTIR Microscopy: Sample Prep to Analysis featuring Automotive Applications

FTIR Microscopy combines the spatial resolution of a microscope with the analytical power of spectroscopy. This 40-minute presentation will examine the foundations of microspectroscopy - sample preparation, data collection and analysis - featuring applications from the automotive industry. Examples will include analysis of dashboard defects, adhesives and multi-layer films. With coverage of basic methods like compression cells, ATR, transmission and reflection, this webinar will be of interest to many analytical and quality control laboratories, including forensic, polymer and food packaging.

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR): Micro-ATR Techniques for Infrared Microscopy

Infrared microscopy combines visible microscopy with the rich chemical information revealed through the infrared absorption spectra of the components in your sample. Some samples you encounter can be difficult to prepare in thin sections for transmission analysis.

Using Attenuated Total Reflectance with your microscope (micro ATR) helps speed up your analysis of these hard to prepare samples. As a bonus, micro-ATR operates at very high spatial resolution compared to normal transmission sampling. Using chemical imaging techniques, micro-ATR allows study of chemical heterogeneity on scales approaching one micron.

Just like conventional FTIR microscopy, micro-ATR is utilized in many research and applied areas including:

• Composite structures
• Paper products
• Pharmaceutical dosage forms
• Art restoration
• Biological tissues
• Polymer films and coatings

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR): Spectroscopy Simplified -  ATR Sampling in FTIR

Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) sampling revolutionized FTIR spectroscopy, with its simplicity of sample handling and near-universal applicability. This webinar will introduce the theory and basic use, ideas for ATR, and will show many examples. Topics will include:

• Basic theory of ATR
• Choosing the right ATR - crystals, angles and bounces
• Cleaning an ATR device: do's and don'ts
• Applications of ATR: particles, fibers and more

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR): Advanced ATR Sampling

Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) is a widespread technique for analyzing a large variety of samples with FTIR spectroscopy. One of the advantages of ATR is that it requires very little sample preparation or clean up resulting in very easy and rapid analysis.

We will present some advanced applications where analysts have benefited greatly from using this technique. The webinar builds on basic ATR concepts and demonstrates some of the newer and sophisticated accessories that are used to solve difficult problems often found in complex liquid and solid samples.

Attendees to this webinar will learn about:

• Using variable angle ATR to analyze thin films
• Forensic applications relying on ATR techniques
• Real time dynamic monitoring of chemical and structural changes

From powders to paint chips - modern microspectroscopy draws big information from tiny samples

Microspectroscopy can analyze particulates, fibers, inks, contaminated surfaces, and more, making it a workhorse tool across a wide range of industries: environmental, automotive, pharmaceuticals, forensics, etc. 

Watch this webinar to see how to improve the speed and accuracy of results across a broader range of user skill levels with modern microspectroscopy systems. Hear what diffraction-limited IR optics, enhanced visual performance, and powerful 64-bit software with a new user interface can do in sample prep, microplastics, fiber analysis, coatings, micro-mapping and ATR analysis.