Application Notes: General
An Infrared Investigation of Nail Polish Remover Using Multiple Reflection Diamond ATR
February 1st 2013Multiple reflection ATR is ideal for detecting miniscule levels of components in solutions. If one component is volatile, trace analysis can be simplified by allowing the volatile liquids to evaporate.
Moxtek's ULTRA-LITE X-ray Source
September 1st 2012Moxtek's ULTRA-LITE X-ray source is a very small self contained X-ray source (X-ray tube and high voltage power supply) for use in portable X-ray applications, such as the handheld X-ray florescence (XRF) spectrometers. This note demonstrates that this X-ray source has a stable and repeatable X-ray flux output over time, which is vital for the precision of the calibrated XRF measurements.
The Orbis Micro-XRF Analyzer Series
September 1st 2012Building on more than 10 years of Micro-XRF experience, the Orbis spectrometer yields a system with excellent Micro-XRF capability while setting a new standard in analytical flexibility. The Orbis incorporates a unique motorized turret integrating video and X-ray optics allowing coaxial sample view and X-ray analysis. The turret can accommodate two additional collimators along with the X-ray optic for a total of three X-ray beam sizes to expand the Orbis analytical capabilities beyond traditional Micro-XRF analysis.
FT-IR Contaminant Identification Using OMNIC? Specta Software
September 1st 2012Identifying contaminants in materials is a common troubleshooting need for which FT-IR spectroscopy is ideally suited. Thermo Scientific OMNIC Specta software provides a unique and powerful tool to assist the analyst to quickly identify unexpected constituents. The OMNIC? Specta? Contaminant Search feature allows for rapid investigations that can save time and minimize the impact of product issues.
Low Temperature Analysis of Kaolin Clay Using Diffuse Reflectance
September 1st 2012Clays, like kaolinite and smectite, are hygroscopic and it is well known that the adsorbed water can be driven off at elevated temperatures. At very low temperatures, in addition to the typical band narrowing and shifting, changes in the O-H bond vibrational modes of clays have also been observed.
The Orbis Micro-XRF Analyzer Series
February 1st 2012Building on more than 10 years of Micro-XRF experience, the Orbis spectrometer yields a system with excellent Micro-XRF capability while setting a new standard in analytical flexibility. The Orbis incorporates a unique motorized turret integrating video and X-ray optics allowing coaxial sample view and X-ray analysis. The turret can accommodate two additional collimators along with the X-ray optic for a total of three X-ray beam sizes to expand the Orbis analytical capabilities beyond traditional Micro-XRF analysis. Primary beam filters can be used with all spot sizes available on the turret to allow true XRF analytical capabilities in a micro-spot analysis. The working distance is increased to allow analysis over rougher sample topography without sacrificing signal intensity.
Benchtop WDXRF for Cement Analysis
February 1st 2012Cement is one of the most important materials in the construction industry. Traditionally, WDXRF spectrometers used in cement plants have been large, floor-standing models with substantial installation requirements and ownership expenses. This application note demonstrates the capabilities of the Rigaku Supermini - a new low-cost, benchtop wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer - for the rapid quantitative elemental analysis of cement raw meal.
Revisiting IR Transmission Sampling of Polymers
February 1st 2012Infrared (IR) sampling techniques of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and transmission for polymer analysis are compared and contrasted. Using a real-world application, IR analysis of silane-grafted linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) pellets is presented to illustrate the benefit of IR film transmission sampling.
Automated Circular Dichroism: A Powerful Tool for the Optimization of Protein Formulation
February 1st 2012The polyclonal IgG in this study is more thermally stable at neutral pH, (4.8 to 7.8) than it is at lower pH. The loss of thermal stability at lower pH is concomitant with a change in the pre-transition folded structure of the protein.
Handheld FTIR Analysis for the Conservation and Restoration of Fine Art and Historical Objects
February 1st 2012FTIR spectroscopy has long been used for the analysis of art and historical objects in support of efforts to conserve, restore, and validate authenticity of these rare objects. The value of the technique for this application lies in its inherent sensitivity, specificity, and non-destructive capabilities.
Cost-Effective Analysis of Major, Minor, and Trace Elements in Foodstuffs Usint the 4100 MP-AES
February 1st 2012Whether the goal is food safety, ensuring quality, or establishing provenance, measuring the trace element content of foods and beverages that we all consume is of paramount importance. While some elements are essential for our well being at low concentrations, others like lead and chromium are highly toxic and more still are being linked to viral, neurological, and other diseases. Food scares related to contamination or poor quality not only constitute a health risk, they also undermine consumer confidence. This can lead to lost earnings through reduced sales and loss of credibility through adverse publicity.
FTIR Sampling of Eye Drops Using Multiple Reflection Diamond ATR
February 1st 2012Multiple reflection ATR is ideal for detecting miniscule levels of components in solutions, both aqueous and non-aqueous. Most multiple ATR accessories use ATR crystals which are susceptible to wear and damage. Diamond, although an excellent choice due to its refractive index, high degree of chemical inertness, and low coefficient of friction, is generally not used because of its expense and its strong lattice bands around 2200 cm-1.